The peace process in the South Caucasus is now accompanied not only by political agreements but also by real projects that will change the transport and economic map of the region. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent statements on the practical implementation of the TRIPP project indicate that this process has entered a new phase. Yerevan states that the project will change the economic environment of Armenia and the entire region. At the same time, it announces that parallel to the implementation of TRIPP, it expects the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border and the establishment of railway connections between Azerbaijan-Armenia and Armenia-Turkey.
It appears that following the agreements reached in Washington, the process of forming a new communication map in the South Caucasus is accelerating. The signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the realization of TRIPP, and the opening of transport links can move the region from a logic of confrontation that has lasted for many years to a stage of economic cooperation.
Should Pashinyan’s latest messages regarding TRIPP and regional communications be considered the beginning of a new turning point in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process?
Political scientist Niyaməddin Orduxanlı noted on Musavat.com that achieving lasting peace in the South Caucasus without Russia seems difficult at the present time: “We have always stated that today we must negotiate with Russia for the signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Because Russia has extensive opportunities to influence Armenia. Russia must believe that the achieved peace is not against Russia and that the peace achieved in the South Caucasus is also of great importance for the states of the region. Of course, it will play an important role in establishing transport and economic relations of Russia, Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and other countries. Great and broad opportunities will arise for Russia and Iran, which are subject to the harshest sanctions from the West and America. Armenia’s economic opportunities will significantly expand. Mutual relations with neighbors will be established. What has 30 years of being in a state of war, keeping Azerbaijani lands under occupation, committing barbarism, and destroying thousands of its youth after the 44-day war given to Armenia? The Armenian society must be aware of all this. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declares that the TRIPP project is very beneficial and that the process has entered a new phase. In fact, Russian goods are being transported to Armenia via Azerbaijan. We are taking certain steps to achieve peace. The opening of borders between Turkey and Armenia or the establishment of railway connections must occur within the framework of Azerbaijan’s state interests. That is, after the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is natural that Washington appears interested in the realization of the TRIPP agreement. This agreement was made with the support of Trump. Azerbaijan has been taking a firm stance for 6 years that peace should be achieved. We cannot do anything more than this.”