Currently, the only significant force preventing the opening of the Zangezur corridor is Iran

The National Front Party chairman, MP Razi Nurullayev, answered questions from Telegram.com. We present this interview for your attention:

– Discussions around the Zangezur Corridor have intensified sharply, and at such a moment, it is claimed that the former Karabakh conflict was a more complex process. What factors are preventing the opening of the corridor?

– The former Karabakh conflict is now history. And the issue related to the Zangezur Corridor is close to being resolved. There are other factors here as well. Another Iranian territory option, the “Araz Corridor,” allows passage to Nakhchivan. Work is being done on this. The road construction through Azerbaijan is forecasted to be finished by mid-next year. Therefore, regardless of whether Armenia wants it, the Zangezur Corridor will operate. The road will be opened even if the route does not pass through Armenian territory. And the losers will be Armenia and its supporters.

– How realistic is the opening of the corridor with Russia as a mediator? Could Moscow’s recent activity on this issue be effective?

– Armenia is only partially accepting the Zangezur Corridor. According to the November 10, 2020 declaration, the Zangezur Corridor should be opened, and Russian border troops should be stationed there. Therefore, discussions about the corridor’s opening mainly occur between Russia, Iran, and Armenia. Azerbaijan is interested in opening the corridor. Baku has clearly expressed its position on this.

– What is Iran’s concern regarding the corridor?

– Currently, the only significant force preventing the opening of the corridor is Iran. Tehran has its calculations in this matter. Russia is negotiating with them on this issue. Therefore, the opening of the Zangezur Corridor will largely depend on Russia’s will.

– What is Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s stance on opening the Zangezur Corridor with Russia as a mediator?

– On November 10, 2020, a trilateral agreement was signed between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia. According to this agreement, communications should be opened. Naturally, Azerbaijan agrees. Turkey also supports the opening of the Zangezur Corridor. No one objects to Russia’s participation in this. In this regard, Azerbaijan and Turkey favor opening the Zangezur Corridor. If it is implemented with Russia’s mediation, Baku and Ankara will not oppose it.

– President Ilham Aliyev spoke about national security threats in his speech at the first session of the VII convocation of the Milli Majlis. From where do these threats originate?

– Armenia is currently being heavily armed. One could say that 15-20 military cargo planes land in Yerevan monthly. Western instructors are conducting intensive training with the Armenian armed forces. At the same time, the West is doing everything possible to strengthen Armenia’s military. They allocate funds, create foundations, and provide free weapons. They are working on this almost 24 hours a day. Naturally, all this forces Azerbaijan to be highly vigilant and cautious. If Armenia wants peace, why such preparations for war? This is why Azerbaijan, seeing these threats, is taking appropriate steps. There is a risk of war.