The Importance of Syunik for Russia, Turkey, the USA, and Iran: Expert

Political scientist Suren Sargsyan wrote on his Facebook page: "For Iran, Syunik is an external border. It's an exit to the EAEU (which it seeks to join). It has the only land border with the EAEU. If Iran loses this border, it will wholly become dependent on Turkey (NATO). Iran will also lose an independent route to the Black Sea and Europe (through Armenia and Georgia) that does not involve Turkey. I believe I have described America's and Israel's interests in this paragraph as well.

For Turkey, Syunik provides an opportunity to implement the concept of 'Greater Turan.' This will significantly enhance Turkey's influence in the Islamic and Turkic world. Turkey is set to become a global superpower (like the USA and China). Moreover, the oil and gas resources of Central Asian countries (and not only Central Asia) will pass through Syunik (it could be under Azerbaijani or Turkish jurisdiction), which will result in Europe being dependent on Turkey for energy resources rather than Russia, as is the case now. I think I have also described Russia's interests in this paragraph.

Additionally, Russia’s influence will significantly decline not only in Europe but also in Central Asia. Furthermore, a Russian military base in Syunik means a military base right under the nose of Turkey, with all the ensuing consequences.

Now a historical reflection: back in 1992, Turkish President Ozal was convincing senior Bush: 'Let’s exchange Syunik for Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenians, Syunik for Azerbaijan. All pipelines go to Russia, or they pass through Russian territory. Even now, Turkmen gas goes through Russia. With the help of my plan, we can connect that pipeline to Turkey via Azerbaijan and bring it to Europe. These countries need to exit to Europe not through Russian territory.'

And the saddest part in all this is that the Armenian authorities have treacherously sabotaged all possibilities of organizing Armenia's self-defense.'