Hakob Badalyan: The agreements between Yerevan and Baku are the result of the efforts of major players

Political columnist Hakob Badalyan believes that the joint statement on the return of Armenian prisoners and Azerbaijani servicemen was made through the diplomatic mediation of other states in the process of normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

“I believe that the achievement of these agreements is a tactical action of the parties in the chain of a complex peace process, which takes place in the context of the political and diplomatic efforts of major players. I also believe that both parties are agreeing to such a statement based on the great uncertainty that exists both internationally and in terms of security in the region,” Hakob Badalyan told Alpha News.

The political columnist considers it unlikely that the agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan are evidence of a snap parliamentary election in Armenia.

Let us note that, according to rumors, the authorities intend to hold a snap parliamentary election.

“I think that there is no direct connection between the domestic situation and these agreements, or that this connection is not important and fundamental,” Badalyan said.

Yet, the political columnist notes that the Armenian authorities are considering the possibility of holding a snap election.

“Official Yerevan is considering holding early elections in the context of some political events. I am considering two possible options in connection with the elections. If the signing of a peace treaty is considered likely, then it is possible that the government may hold new snap elections as a ploy to ease possible political tensions.

Or, official Yerevan could use this mechanism before signing any document in order to create an appropriate public atmosphere for voting for legitimacy or trust. I also do not rule out that this mechanism could become an opportunity for Yerevan to maneuver politically in a complex process, at least in order to gain time, since the current situation both in the region and in the world is full of challenges for Armenia as well.

Despite the joint statement of the administrations of Armenia and Azerbaijan, we see that, in the long term, Azerbaijan does not intend to abandon its maximalist approaches. In parallel with this, we know Turkiye’s strategic goals in relation to the Caucasus. We also know the geopolitical struggle for the status quo of the Caucasus, and in these conditions, I do not rule out that through snap elections, Yerevan will try to gain some time for Armenia and, perhaps, thanks to the new situation, gain new opportunities,” Badalyan said.