What Should Armenia Do to Become a Regional Player? Nairi Hovhikyan Shares His Views

Journalist Nairi Hovhikyan's commentary: “For two days now, discussions have been ongoing about the establishment of an Azerbaijani police checkpoint on the road in Syunik and collecting money from Iranian trucks. In all the analyses I have come across, the emphasis has been placed on the emotional aspect— the enemy has entered our territory and is acting cynically, wanting to seize Syunik.

In reality, Azerbaijan is taking a significant economic step with this action by cutting off Iran from Armenia, which is a necessary condition for diminishing profitability. Iranian trucks will gradually cease to use Armenia's territory as a transit route, and there will also be a significant decrease in cargo transportation from Iran to Armenia, as it will no longer be profitable for the Iranians. This will lead to a reduction of interest in Armenia from both Iranian businesses and major international players, with India and China no longer discussing Armenia at all in their plans for international highways. In other words, without a business interest, there are no favorable political conditions.

This, in turn, will lead to another closure of Armenia's airways, suffocating our country. What is Azerbaijan aiming for with this? To force the Armenian side to grant it a corridor through Syunik to connect with Nakhchivan and Turkey, which would significantly save Azerbaijan large additional financial resources.

Given the current incompetence and ignorance of Armenia's political leadership, we are moving towards that goal at an accelerated pace. Meanwhile, clear and straightforward actions can be taken to enable Armenia to quickly and firmly become a regional player. Since there is no written document regarding the transfer of a portion of the Goris-Kapan road to Azerbaijan, and security guarantees have been given verbally, which are not being preserved, the Armenian side appeals to the diplomatic representations accredited in Armenia to show the reality, while informing Russia about taking full control of the interstate road.

The Armenian army can remove dozens of enemy soldiers and policemen from near the road in a few hours, fully controlling the interstate highway. Fears that Azerbaijan might start military operations are at least naïve, as Azerbaijan has similar concerns regarding us. Lacking necessary military equipment and human resources, they are also afraid that we might change the government and take revenge. But of course, fools will not understand this; for them, the asphalt is what matters.”