Armenia is losing good relations with neighboring Iran – Vladimir Shapovalov

Speaking with Alpha News, Associate Professor of Comparative Political Science at MGIMO Vladimir Shapovalov commented on the outcome of the talks between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, mediated by US President Donald Trump in Washington.

“First of all, it is necessary to emphasize that the peace agreement has not been signed, so it is premature to talk about any outcome. So far, there is only a media picture and it does not yet mean the signing of a peace agreement. If the ideas that were voiced are implemented in practice, this will definitely not mean anything good for Armenia since, in addition to obvious concessions to Azerbaijan and Turkey, a serious dependence on the United States is being formed. In fact, Armenia is losing its full sovereignty, since part of its territory is becoming the property of some American companies, although they say that it is temporary, but we know that 99 years is equivalent to a complete seizure of territory. We remember that, for example, Hong Kong was transferred from China to Britain for 99 years and eventually became a British colony, here we have approximately the same regime in relation to part of the territory of Armenia,” Shapovalov said.

According to the political scientist, the loss of sovereignty is a terrible blow to Armenian statehood.

“Armenia is losing part of its sovereign rights, and no geopolitical considerations or arguments of expediency can justify this. In addition, Armenia is losing good relations with neighboring Iran, which has been an important partner for Armenia and, in fact, the only open window to the outside world throughout the thirty-five-year conflict. In fact, the Trump Route is closing this window for Armenia, and it is becoming a toy in the hands of the United States, of Turkey—America’s ally—and of Azerbaijan, Turkey’s ally. This is the cost of these agreements,” Shapovalov concluded.