Radar Armenia’s interlocutor is Shahan Gantaharyan, an international scholar.
– Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali-Akbar Ahmadian met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Vladimir Putin also met the Chinese Foreign Minister in the Konstantinovsky Palace. What developments are these meetings talking about?
– It is clear that China is an economic pole in the current world order, and any country has a point of cooperation with China somewhere in the globalized economy. Apart from this theory, Iran shares strategic ways of life with China. The discussion concerns the Silk Road and new ways, channels, and communications. Putin’s visit, I think, should be considered more in terms of the preparation of counterbalancing steps against the policy of the collective West against the Russian Federation. And in this regard, China can be an essential partner. However, it should not be forgotten that China does not take a position and does not play with a black-and-white style of play in the current world order.
– They also announced from Baku that work is being done to open communications through Iran. Does Azerbaijan have alternative options if Armenia does not change its current position regarding the opening of communications? How do you interpret this statement of the Azerbaijani side?
– It is not the first time Baku has made such a statement. In this case, Baku’s statement is perceived as a softening step in response to Tehran’s protest. However, the problem should not be considered only by Baku. The Syunik Bridge is an integral part of an irreplaceable life road for Iran. It is the most stable and safe bridge to unblock Iran, explaining Tehran’s determination.
– Does this mean that Azerbaijan refuses the “Zangezur Corridor” and, choosing the Iranian path, leaves Armenia under blockade?
– I don’t think Baku refuses. Baku is endlessly renewing and raising the ceiling of its preconditions for the conclusion of the peace treaty to obtain the “Zangezur Corridor.” That is Baku’s primary demand; the rest are tactical playing cards. Baku also realizes there is no regional consensus on this issue, which is why the proposed corridor is not working.
– Donald Trump announced that the 3rd presidential debate will not occur, as he has already won the previous two. Are such statements beneficial for Trump? What are your impressions of the 2nd Trump-Harris debate?
– The debates were suitable formats for orientation in the electoral contests. However, it should be noted that the bar of these debates has decreased quite a bit. The system itself is very polarized: only two parties and two candidates. The electorate has already decided, and the debates will only slightly affect people’s orientation. In this case, the discussion is like a football game, the outcome of which does not depend on the fans’ orientation towards the team.
