Radar Armenia‘s interlocutor is Armen Petrosyan, an expert on regional issues.
– The ministers of foreign affairs of the EU Council decided to support Armenia under the European Peace Instrument and start the visa liberalization dialogue. What impact can this decision have on Armenian-Russian relations?
– Russia has negatively received the activation of European and generally Western politics in Armenia, and it is evident that, once again, the Russian side will make criticisms and accusations. That is, he will not welcome this decision in any way. This is unequivocal. Naturally, it will cause another wrinkle in Armenia-Russia relations. It is currently difficult to predict what course this process will take. However, the implementation of objective steps by the EU is somewhat delayed. The method of implementation of decisions is slow, which is consistent with the existing processes in the conditions of the current geopolitical realities. The EU and Western countries, in general, seem to be losing ground to China and Russia regarding our region.
– Azerbaijan invited Armenia to the COP29 conference in Baku on November 11-22. In your opinion, what position should Armenia take in this matter? What are the consequences of not participating in the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations?
– Azerbaijan’s invitation is more of a diplomatic step to show that they have a great inclination towards normalizing relations with Armenia and peace in the region in general. On the one hand, this is a diplomatic step in normalizing relations with Armenia. Still, it pursues a more propaganda goal, especially in relations with the international community. Armenia wants to refrain from regulating ties to show they are more constructive. They make such invitations, but at the same time, they continue to interfere in the internal affairs of Armenia.
Attempts conditioned by the demand to change the constitution and legislation continue to present territorial claims, even through the lips of the president, which refers to the so-called “Western Azerbaijan” discourse, as well as the topic of the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” continues to be pushed forward, causing border tension, etc. In other words, they understand very well that in case of such behavior, no one from Armenia will naturally participate in COP29 because there is no basis for peace, no matter how much they try to show the opposite. And then, naturally, Armenia’s non-participation will again be presented as a non-constructive approach by Armenia. As I mentioned, this is a move with a political propaganda goal. And Armenia’s participation depends on the general situation. Regarding content, significant changes are unlikely to occur in bilateral relations and the region. And, if the relationship is in such an atmosphere, naturally, it will not be suitable to participate.
