In an interview with the website of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations about the recent joint exercise between Armenia and the United States, Seyed Ali Saghaian said: The military exercise between the United States and Armenia may have more of an educational aspect than an operational military exercise on the ground, in the air, or high areas. This exercise was held with about 75 American and 175 Armenian military troops. After Pashinyan came to power, he tried to create a balance between the West and Russia and sought to rebuild Armenia’s relations with its neighbors. In the meantime, although Pashinyan doubled the development of Armenia’s political and economic relations with the West, he has recently activated these relations in the military and security area.
Stating that Armenia has agreements and contracts with European countries, especially France, in various fields, including security and military, he said about the reasons for Armenia’s tendency towards Europe: The reason for Armenia’s tendency to military cooperation with Europe, especially France, is that in the 2020 war and after Armenia lost Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia had to use its peace and security forces based on its commitments to maintain the security of Armenia, but because it did not fulfill its commitment, it caused Pashinyan’s resentment, and since Armenia had security weaknesses, it is definitely looking to strengthen its military position. Therefore, it had no choice but to go towards Europe, and in the meantime, among all European countries, France was more willing to cooperate with Armenia.
Saghaian said: Considering that Russia is involved in the war in Ukraine, France could easily enter the South Caucasus region and play a role, and subsequently, Armenia also benefited from this situation.
The former ambassador of Iran in Yerevan stated: In the current situation, the importance of Azerbaijan for Russia is much greater than for Armenia because the increase in gas sales through Azerbaijan is very important for Russia, and Moscow was able to export its sanctioned gas to Europe through Azerbaijan. It was a great help in restoring the Russian economy that was damaged by the war in Ukraine; hence, the strategic proximity of Armenia to France and America is not far off. Pashinyan’s government is worried that if another attack occurs, it will be unable to maintain its position and defend its country.
He continued: Of course, while Armenia is advancing its relations with Europe and America at different levels, we see that the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are also progressing. Their talks have been supported at the regional and international levels. If the obstacles to complete peace between these two countries are removed, we will witness the signing of a peace agreement and the demarcation of the geographical borders between the two countries.
This diplomat said: After the four-day war of 2020, Armenia considered itself the loser of the war; therefore, Pashinyan’s government sought to develop its economic relations with Western governments and put forward the Peace Crossroads plan, which solves the problems with Azerbaijan and Turkey was one of its provisions. Therefore, security and military cooperation is not the only issue of cooperation and development of Armenia’s relations with its neighboring countries and America.
Seqaian said: On the other hand, because of Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine war, Pashinyan strongly seeks to attract European aid and develop military, economic, and political relations with other countries. Of course, the development of Armenia’s relations with the West is not new and has been pursued by previous governments. Regarding the peace negotiations, the 3+3 plan proposed by Iran should still be followed, and the peace negotiations between the three countries of the Caucasus region should continue with the presence of Tehran, Moscow, and Ankara.
He stated: “Dialogue is the best mechanism for solving problems, and Iran has sufficient supervision over its geographical borders and will resolutely respond to any movement and possible ill will.”
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