Yerevan's mistakes could squander Iran's efforts to prevent geopolitical changes: Armenian MP
TEHRAN – The Republic of Azerbaijan has so far retreated from constructing an illegal corridor that would change the historical borders of Iran and Armenia, but with the Armenian government's weak performance at peace talks the Zangezur corridor might eventually become a reality, an Armenian Parliament member warns.
Anna Grigoryan, speaking to Tasnim News Agency on Monday, expressed concern that the Armenian government's dependence on the West, and its tendency to prioritize a third country's interests over those of the Armenian people spells trouble in the ongoing peace talks between Yerevan and Baku.
"Our leaders easily accept whatever Azerbaijan demands. It is not unlikely for them to eventually agree to this corridor as well," the lawmaker said, adding that establishing what's been called by Azeri and Turkish officials as the Zangezur corridor would not have any economic benefits for Armenia despite Azerbaijan's propaganda. "Such pathway would not be economic. It is solely political because it aims to connect Turkey to Central Asia and eventually China. If Baku and Ankara truly care about our ailing economy, then they can reopen the railways that have existed for decades."
Armenia has recently ceded four villages to Azerbaijan, drawing the ire of the ethically Armenian locals. Residents of the villages have staged protests in recent days demanding that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan step down.
"I agree that peace must finally take shape, but unfortunately, the peace that is now being imposed on us is not a dignified peace," Grigoryan added.