Ednews presents an interview with Igor Korotchenko, director general of the Caspian Institute for Strategic Studies (Russia):
- Mr. Korotchenko, what do you think is the reason for the activity of the United States in our region? Can Russia respond to this activity in some way?
- The activity of the United States of America in the South Caucasus region is primarily related to the strategic importance of this region. In addition, the North-South Corridor and the Middle Corridor project, which are important for the sustainable operation of the Russian economy, pass through here. Being rich in hydrocarbon and oil-gas resources undoubtedly attracts Western countries, especially their leader, the United States. Therefore, the presence of the US positions there, the destabilization of Armenia, as its satellite, and the influence of the processes are, of course, one of its most important political and economic tasks. The USA wants to use Armenia as a satellite in order to control the region.
- Armenia stated that it does not expect the help of CSTO. Could this also be a sign of readiness to leave the military bloc? Is it true that Russia will not intervene in this? Does the fate of Georgia await Armenia?
- His display of such a stance also facilitates the West's interest in this region and its intervention in the region through Armenia. It goes without saying that this is a conscious choice of the current ruling Armenian elite. The velvet revolution of 2018 that brought Pashinyan to power was also a project of Western power centers. As soon as Azerbaijan regained its territorial integrity, it was understood that it is necessary to pay attention not to Russia, but to the USA, France and the European Union. However, one thing should be known for sure that if there is no alliance with Russia, Armenia is doomed. Yes, it was once an aggressive and militarily strong state, but in the last 30 years, Azerbaijan has created a modern army and restored its territorial sovereignty.
- In 2021, the Armenian opposition turned to the Russian Federation for support, Konstantin Zatulin, the first deputy chairman of the Committee on CIS Affairs of the State Duma of Armenia, said on the air of the "Moscow Talks" radio station. Was there really such a call?
- I think it is impossible and bluff for the Armenian opposition to support the Russian Federation in order to come to power. The opposition of any state must first be formed by the people's demand. They must have a clear political program to come to power. I don't think they have much power to come to power. Politicians who are worse than Pashinyan and his team due to their intellectual potential are often seen in the parliament. It is unlikely that such people will come to power.
- The Armenian side is now trying to promote the "Crossroads of the World" project, which is also approved by the EU, at various levels. Do you share the opinion that this initiative was put forward to disrupt the opening of the Zangezur corridor?
- We all know that Pashinyan refused to comply with paragraph 9 of the tripartite statement. It is clear that the Western curators of Armenia are strongly against such implementation options of opening transport communications in the region. By exhibiting such behavior, Armenia is trying to increase its political power in the region and show itself as a strong image. In fact, today the West uses Armenia in exactly this way, and of course, this role assigned to it by the Western curators does not bode well for Armenia itself.
- Can the strengthening of Western forces in the East be related to the strengthening of the union of Turkish states?
- Geopolitical competition is going on in the world, and especially considering that Turkey plays a very active role, of course, the organization of Turkish states is being considered. Since this organization has the potential to become an independent subject of world geopolitics, the West does not want such competitors. But I think that the contradictions arise naturally from a complex of reasons. We also see a very angry reaction to the agreements regarding the transport corridor between Baku and Tehran that will pass through the territory of Iran. From this point of view, I think that strong, independent, sovereign states are potential competitors for Washington. In any case, this is how he perceives sovereign and self-reliant Azerbaijan.
- Can Russia play a decisive role in Hamas's war with Israel? Could this be a historic moment of opportunity?
- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the position of the Kremlin regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The point is that Russia, of course, does not agree with the known resolutions of the UN Security Council, which envisage the creation of a Palestinian state. The Arab states are not yet eager to fight. Therefore, it is clear. President Erdoğan, who assumed the role of such a political leader of the Islamic world, today deserves more respect for his efforts against Israel. In any case, both Russia and Turkey coordinate their positions on the Middle East conflict quite closely. Although Russia's priorities are currently Ukraine, humanitarian aid is provided to Palestine.
Akbar Novruz
