Alexey Martynov: Wanting to trick everyone in the Istanbul bazaar, Pashinyan will end up tricking himself

 
Speaking with Alpha News, Russian political scientist Alexey Martynov commented on the risk of a new escalation in the South Caucasus amid Turkey’s statements.

According to the expert, Turkey is exerting political pressure on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

“I don’t think that this is about an escalation of the war. I think this is more about Turkey’s political pressure on Pashinyan and his dual position. Most likely, there will be no further escalation. The thing is that Nikol Pashinyan’s position is unclear. On the one hand, he is wooing European politicians; on the other hand, we see his rather harsh anti-Russian attacks and statements. First, he comes to an agreement, then he doesn’t. He discusses a peace treaty, then he doesn’t. It seems to me that this is where the main problem lies. Hence all these Turkish statements with the desire to put pressure on Pashinyan so that he finally takes some position,” Martynov said.

“But I don’t think escalation is possible. Although, of course, there are a sufficient number of external political forces that do not exclude the possibility of continuing the conflict in Transcaucasia. Russia is not interested in this; this has been said repeatedly. And Russia’s position is known—a lasting peace in Transcaucasia,” Martynov noted.

According to the expert, the Russian military presence provides Armenia with all possible security.

“Pashinyan is playing dirty. Statements regarding the Collective Security Treaty Organization are, to say the least, unfriendly. In addition, some figures around him are raising a debate regarding the expediency of the deployment of a Russian military base in Gyumri. However, I have absolutely no doubt that the Russian military presence, which ensures Russian interests in Transcaucasia, provides Armenia with all possible security,” the political scientist emphasized.

“Pashinyan, wanting to trick everyone in the Istanbul bazaar, will end up tricking himself,” Martynov concluded.