Papyan: Big Armenian-Azerbaijani war not expected

2015 will be a crucial year for Armenia as the struggle for the republic and around it will intensify, the head of Modus Vivendi Center, political scientist Ara Papyan told reporters today.

In his words, this situation means both opportunities and dangers. Papyan reminded those present that the most important event in 2014 was the signing of the agreement on Armenia’s entry into the Eurasian Economic Union. 

As regards Armenian-Turkish relations, A. Papyan said that changes are possible if the Armenian president declares the Zurich protocols invalid and the relations are taken to a different level. In his opinion, in all likelihood the Turks will take an illusory step by April, while Armenia will not gain anything from it. 

Speaking about Armenian-Iranian relations, the political scientist expressed confidence that although talks failed in Vienna, both the U.S. and Iran are determined to solve the problem, while Saudi Arabia and Israel still prevent them from doing it. The political scientist noted that the only negative aspect in Armenian-Iranian relations is that Armenia will have problems if Russia starts building a railway linking Iran with Azerbaijan, and a Baku-Kars-Akhalkalaki project is launched in parallel with it.  

As for relations of Armenia and Azerbaijan, A. Papyan said a big Armenian-Azerbaijani war is not expected.

“Azerbaijan does not aim to destroy Armenia since it is an unrealistic goal. Azerbaijan is implementing a policy of exsanguinating Armenia so that emigration will gradually increase and disappointment will grow. Azerbaijan’s goal is not in settlement of the Karabakh conflict, but it is related to the issue of existence or collapse of Armenian statehood,” the expert declared.