Baku will use every possible means to push its position, as it considers itself winner – Andrey Areshev

Speaking with Alpha News, Andrey Areshev, political scientist and expert of the Strategic Culture Foundation, commented on the Armenian authorities’ desire to reformat the country’s energy system, as well as on Armenian-Azerbaijani contacts.

“European partners are consistently integrating Armenia into Azerbaijani-Turkish energy projects, using the geographic factor and taking all possible measures. And this is not only about publicity. For example, we regularly see attacks on the Armenian nuclear power plant from European diplomats and Turkish authorities in the border provinces. I believe we should soon expect a new wave of information noise about the alleged environmental harm of the plant operated by Rosatom—not only for Armenia, but also for Turkey. This will be used along with financial injections and efforts to redirect Armenia’s energy system. We know that the first steps have already been taken—there have been attempts to privatize the electricity networks. There were rumors about selling the company to Turkish partners who showed interest. Nationalization may turn out to be only an interim step in this direction. We also see work on the Kars-Gyumri railway section, which can be considered preparation for opening the border. The next factor may be Armenia’s shift toward Azerbaijani, Caspian gas. This is politics and geopolitics, even if it harms consumer interests. Above all, it is about reformatting Armenia’s electricity sector in line with the interests of Turkish and American partners. The latter are actively offering Armenia projects in artificial intelligence, seeking to turn the country into a regional hub. These initiatives are accompanied by concrete actions with the participation of Turkish and American sides,” the expert noted.

According to Areshev, Armenian society will learn about Azerbaijan’s additional demands only after the elections.

“Turkish diplomacy is known for its consistency, and I don’t believe it will retreat from this position. The President of Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated it publicly, and I think that’s how it will be in the context of bilateral dialogue with Yerevan. Interesting developments are happening now. On one hand, there is Baku’s clear and consistent position, and on the other, bilateral contacts. Recently, the intergovernmental commission met in Gabala, attended by Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. As far as I understand, a return visit is expected. In addition, there are contacts at the level of civil society and the expert community, which have attracted significant attention. I noticed the visit of a fairly high-level Armenian delegation directly to Azerbaijan. Previously, meetings were held at the border, but now this is a deeper format of interaction. I believe Azerbaijan will use every possible means to push its position, taking advantage of the fact that it considers itself the winner, and will demand more and more concessions—not only those outlined in the peace treaty draft initialed in August. It is possible that there will be additional demands, which Armenian society will learn about only after the elections,” the political scientist noted.