"Even if Armenia wants to move away from Russia towards West, it won't succeed" Ishkhan Verdyan for Caliber.Az

Armenian blogger and activist from Yerevan Ishkhan Verdyan shared his thoughts on the two parallel processes - Azerbaijani-Armenian regulation and Turkish-Armenian rapprochement - and told Caliber.az how Armenians live in Türkiye.

- More than a year and a half has passed since the signing of the Trilateral Statement. During this time, representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenia have held many meetings at various levels. Do you think the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement has progressed even a little?

- Since that time, I don't think anything has changed. Moreover, I think that the situation has remained where it was before the 44-day war in Karabakh. I agree that there are all kinds of meetings at different levels, but it's not getting any further than words and wishes. No practical results are seen. There are still shooting incidents on the border and people are still dying. In other words, the situation can hardly be called stable.

Among other things, mutual accusations and complaints are becoming more and more frequent. There are no constructive steps. Personally, I am currently skeptical about the situation in general. I think that there is a kind of conservation, an entrenchment of the hackneyed theses that the conflict exists and that nothing should change. At least that is my impression.

- There are three tracks of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia: the opening of communications, the demarcation, and delimitation of borders, and the signing of a peace treaty. Which one is closer to implementation?

- You are right, there are three tracks that should be settled, but there is also a fourth track, which the Armenian side is particularly insistent on. It is the "status and rights of Armenians" (quotation marks - Ed.) living in Karabakh. I don't know what wording is used there, or what conditions and questions are asked, but I am sure that it is this fourth track that prevents the implementation of the other three conditions.

- Today there are two directions on Armenia's agenda: Armenian-Turkish rapprochement and the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement. Which of these directions do you think is a priority for Armenia - both for the population and for the leadership?

- I think the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement should be a priority, and then the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement. Because Armenia is essentially at enmity with Azerbaijan, not with Türkiye. The process of rapprochement with Türkiye is slowly but progressing. The steps are small and do not yet give any clear practical results, but they exist. And most importantly, there is a mutual desire to continue working in this direction. These intentions and plans are voiced by politicians on both sides, and there is no contradiction. But at the same time the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement, which, in my opinion, should come first, is stalled.

The Armenian society reacts to the agenda. Positive results in any direction will be perceived positively by Armenian society. I am sure that the Armenian people are waiting for the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan in the same way as with Türkiye. However, the lack of positive results prevents people from talking and thinking about this topic in a positive light.

And the Armenian government is likely to prioritize its relations with Türkiye.

- What is Russia's position on the Armenian-Azerbaijani issue today?

- Russia occupies the main, key position, and it is obvious. Today Russian peacekeepers are on the territory of Azerbaijan in Karabakh. In general, the Karabakh issue has always been, remains, and will remain under the full influence and control of Russia. Unless, of course, there are any radical changes in the region.

- In your opinion, is Armenia's future with the West or with Russia? In general, the population is more inclined toward European or Russian values?

- The question is a bit tricky, at least because Russia also upholds western values, no matter how it positions itself. If Russia is deprived of Western values, then there will be nothing to strive for. This opposition is artificial. Armenia must not be oriented either to the West or to Russia, it must be oriented and integrated into its own region, which is logical. Once Yerevan establishes relations with neighboring countries, it will be possible to think in which direction it should move, but in the common interests of the region. Further actions will be dictated by the general situation in the entire region, rather than by the desire of Armenia alone. Even if today Armenia wants to move away from Russian influence toward the West, it will not succeed. Armenia is fully dependent on Russia. And Yerevan won't be able to perform any global geopolitical tricks. Today, Armenia should concentrate on regional interests and normalize relations with its neighbors, especially since the scope of work is incredibly large and positive.

- As far as I know, you are now in Türkiye. How do Armenians feel there?

- That's right, I am living in Türkiye at the moment. This is temporary. I am going to come back to Armenia soon. Armenians are treated very well in Türkiye, there is absolutely no discrimination. Moreover, the Armenians are given huge cultural rights, they have their own schools, churches, and cultural centers. And every time on holidays cultural events are held, in which Turkish officials - at the level of mayors, municipalities, etc. - take part with great pleasure. The Armenians themselves feel perfectly well in Türkiye. The population in Türkiye is also very tolerant towards the Armenians. There is no discrimination whatsoever. I think that Türkiye is a great place for Armenians to live. A lot of Armenians live in Türkiye and don't need anything.