Both Azerbaijan and Iran are Important for Russia and Iran: Lukyanov
“Armenia isn’t cut off from regional programs, but is constrained by absence of political relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan,” Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor-in-Chief of Russia in Global Affairs, Chairman of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, and Research Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club, told 168.am, reflecting to the influence of new trilateral Russia-Iran-Azerbaijan format on regional developments.
Putin-Aliyev-Rouhani meeting is planned in Baku today, during which presidents will discuss both fight against terror and issues linked to North-South Corridor. Fyodor Lukyanov stated that these projects are important for Russia from the perspective of developing southern direction as well, as in recent years Russia mainly focused on Eurasian direction.
According to the Russian analyst, this direction is rich in a few benefits for Russia. “After lifting of international sanctions, Russia is interested that Iran joined Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as Iran is one of the leading sovereign regional powers in Eurasia, which didn’t join SCO. Iran-EEU cooperation is also being touched upon, although at the moment it seems less probable to me.
However, Russia highlights that direction and initiates steps to develop it, in particular, when Iran is at the phase of distribution of its potential, and Russia may make use of that possibility,” Lukyanov said. Thus, according to the Russian analyst, Russia is interested in discussion of North-South Corridor. According to Lukyanov, Iran and Azerbaijan are also interested in this project, however their relations historically have bene instable and trustless.
“Two participants of this program—Iran and Russia, are interested in relations with Armenia. Iran has consistently lead its interests in politics, which means, that historically good ties with Armenia will be maintained, there won’t be any changes in it. Moreover, I should state that at the moment Iran is interested in observing relations with all the countries, as proposals are numerous and Iran has the possibility of choice. However, it’ll be not correct saying that Iran will have better ties with Azerbaijan in the region or strives to have such. Russia is Armenia’s strategic ally, these programs can’t be against Armenia.
As I mentioned, Iran-EEU cooperation is being discussed, in which Armenia will assume the role of a bridge, of course, this is a remote idea, however, it’s practicable. In my opinion, Armenia is not alienated from these programs,” Fyodor Lukyanov said.
According to the latter Armenia’s foreign policy is restricted by the absence of Azerbaijan’s relations with Turkey. According to him, it’s even comprehensible.
Reflecting to Putin-Erdogan meeting, Lukyanov stated, that stabilization of relations will have a positive impact on the whole region, including the situation on NK conflict zone. Lukyanov disagreed with the circulating news that for the sake of relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, Russia will trespass interests of the Armenian side. He assured, that Russia needs both Armenia, which is involved in all Russian integration projects, and Azerbaijan, cooperation with which provides Russia’s presence in the South Caucasus.
“However, I think, by deepening of crisis in Europe importance of the region for Russia will decrease little by little. But I believe that NK conflict has its logic of development and, moreover, maybe Russia-Turkey crisis initiated the April war in Karabakh, and this new stage will be positively reflected on conflict settlement negotiations,” Lukyanov said.
According to the latter, comments regarding the fact, that Russia will attempt to settle NK conflict through its settlement plan, are not realistic. In his conviction, there is no such a plan. “Russia has leverages towards the presidents of both countries, and by applying those leverages it attempted to permanently settle the conflict, however, it hasn’t succeeded yet,” he concluded.
By Araks Martirosyan
