By handing control of a key artery – the Zangezur Corridor – for 100 years to the US, possibly via a private firm, Nikol Pashinyan hopes to secure protection from Turkiye and Azerbaijan, Shota Apkhaidze told Sputnik.
However, the US is not a country capable of protecting anyone, he reminded.
“I believe Russia is the only country capable of ensuring Armenia’s security and territorial integrity."
US Long-Term Gamble
The Caucasus is a gateway to Central Asia, to Iran’s doorstep, emphasized the pundit.
Iran’s North-South corridor project runs through Armenia and Georgia on to Russia: Pashinyan’s plan could deal a regional blow to Iran and Russia. Furthermore, the Zangezur Corridor offers a direct route to Caspian energy, diversifying resources for Europe amid the Russian sanctions-driven energy crunch.
Armenia’s Suicidal Plan
Nikol Pashinyan is dismantling old ties with Russia and the Eurasian bloc, hoping for integration into a club that may never open its doors, underscored the analyst.
Zangezur transit fees won’t replace lost trade routes or alliances, he speculated, while Armenia risks isolation with no real guarantees in return.