The interlocutor of Radar Armenia is Shahan Gantaharyan, an international scholar.
– What significance and impact can the 3+3 format meeting of foreign ministers in Istanbul have on normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian-Turkish relations?
– It should be clarified that 3+3 does not work—basically, 3+2 works. Georgia does not join due to conflicts with Russia. Contrary to that, the format continues to be formulated as 3+3. The published materials are very general: dialogue, regional issues, etc. Within these frameworks, Armenia and Turkey have already agreed to jointly assess the technical requirements for crossing the border on the Gyumri-Kars railway. Remarkable is the RA Foreign Minister’s comment that the launch of the Gyumri-Kars railway between Armenia and Turkey, together with the railway connection between Armenia and Azerbaijan, will immediately ensure a compelling connection between the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. However, these projects will not work until the agreement with Azerbaijan, in the direction of which Baku is torpedoing the process.
– Considering the current situation of the Iran-Israeli conflict, military operations, Hv. Is there a possibility of reaching the Caucasus at this time?
– Status quo trends are more visible in the South Caucasus. The 3+3 attempts seek to stabilize the region by including the leading players. It is not a complete expulsion of the West because it is not realistic to separate Turkey from the West. Turning 3+2 into 3+3 depends on the results of the Georgian elections.
– The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey stated that Turkey considers the possibility of a conflict between Israel and Iran very high, and the region should be ready for it. What does Fidan mean by the last part of the formulation?
– Fidan wants to say that the region may go to a general war if diplomacy does not work. Mediating and playing a role in the outcome is a self-task. This self-assignment makes Ankara’s accusing rhetoric against Tel Aviv more theatrical. Let’s not forget that Israel replied that they have no problem with Turkey. Currently, the agreements between Turkey and Israel in various fields are working.
– Biden has also announced that it is time to move forward towards the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza, put an end to this war, and return the hostages home. In your opinion, is there a possibility of stopping the war in the Gaza Strip?
– The paradigm of war operations has changed. Previously, southern Lebanon was a derivative of Gaza. Now, the epicenter of the war is Lebanon, and Gaza is a derivative. The truce should be a package deal, including all proxies. As of now, it is still not visible.
