Behind the expansion of the Russian (and not only) diplomatic presence in Armenia, there is a clear purpose: to be present in Kapan, which is gradually becoming a sensitive geopolitical center of the region, Russian expert and political scientist Stanislav Tarasov said.
According to him, France has also found itself in a similar situation, announcing its desire to open a consulate in Kapan but explaining it with the desire to “preserve the territorial integrity of Armenia”. Such ambitions can also be seen in Iran’s actions. Tehran connects the opening of the consulate in Kapan with the opening of the main consulate of Armenia in Tabriz and the fact that Syunik Province is “one of the most important parts of the North-South Transport Corridor”.
According to the expert, the problem is that Armenia is not able to fully play the cards of the geopolitical crisis caused by the Ukrainian conflict amid the logistics reshaping process. According to Tarasov, Azerbaijan is becoming the main beneficiary of these changes in the South Caucasus.
“In addition, Baku and Yerevan are still far from signing a peace treaty, including due to problems related to the opening of the Zangezur corridor. And this is happening amid the geopolitical marginalization of the EU, which is trying to assume the role of a mediator after pushing Russia out of the process of normalization of relations. While in fact, that corridor is beneficial to the latter; it connects the country by railway, first with Turkey and second with Armenia. And the work of our diplomats in Kapan should contribute to the development of trade and economic relations between Russia and Armenia in the EAEU format. In addition, Syunik Province is a trade “gateway” with Iran between Armenia and the Eurasian Economic Union. By the way, the Turkish media reports that Ankara may open a consulate in Kapan,” the expert wrote, noting that some important events are going to happen in the region.
