Surena Surenyan: Moscow's Influence is Evident Behind Baku's Decision

Political analyst Surena Surenyan believes that Azerbaijan's recent decision, despite Western mediation efforts, was made under the influence of Russia. According to him, Moscow presented new initiatives at the CIS summit held in Dushanbe, which may have affected Baku's position.

Surenyan notes that statements made by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk indicate Moscow's desire to restore its influence in the South Caucasus by controlling key economic and transportation routes.

In the analyst's opinion, even though Baku's decision might appear as an independent step, it actually fits into Russia's regional political calculations. He also emphasizes that officials in Armenia will likely use this news for domestic political and electoral purposes.

Surenyan warns that if Armenia does not ensure sovereign and equal participation in ongoing processes, it may find itself in a new economic dependency. He states that true unblocking will only be possible when Armenia fully controls the communications running through its territory on a partnership basis and without external oversight.