Armenian Villages Handed Over to Azerbaijan Will Lead to New Concessions, Zatuline

Possible handover of Armenia's border villages to Azerbaijan will jeopardize the country’s strategic communications and pave the way for new concessions, particularly regarding the so-called 'Zangezur corridor.' This was stated by Konstantin Zatuline, a member of the State Duma of Russia, in an interview with the radio station 'Moscow Speaks.'

“What is the significance of the villages that Azerbaijan claims? They provide Armenia with access to Iran (Tigranashen) and Georgia (the villages of Tavush). They are transit villages, and if Armenia loses them as a result of the government's stance, it will clear the way for further concessions. The main demand is from Azerbaijan and Turkey to open the 'Zangezur corridor' between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, thereby facilitating direct transit from Turkey to Azerbaijan,” the MP said.

According to the Russian politician, Nikol Pashinyan continues his previous course aimed at satisfying Azerbaijan's interests, while at the same time trying to project himself as someone who is forced to take these steps. By adopting such a stance, the Prime Minister blames everything on the CSTO and Russia, which allegedly fail to ensure Armenia's defense.

“He (the Prime Minister of Armenia – ed.) has essentially gone on the path of betrayal by renouncing his compatriots and is forced to go this way,” Zatuline stated.

At the same time, the MP does not consider Azerbaijan an ally of Russia, even against the backdrop of Armenia’s pro-Western stance. He is convinced that Azerbaijan is not an ally in this context, adding that it is an ally of Turkey. The legislator reminds that Turkey tries to present all its actions in the Caucasus as NATO’s advance to the east.