A. G. DAVTYAN, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Research Fellow, Strategic Gaming and Simulation Group, INSS, NDRU, MOD, RA

 SUMMARY

Unblocking transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan will significantly affect the economic situation in the South Caucasus and the role of the region in international freight transportation. The solution to this problem is largely determined by the stance of the centers of power, which are directly involved in regional processes. At the same time, political support for the centers of power should be expressed not via statements, but by their political will and resoluteness in the matter of mediation in regulating relations between Armenia, on the one hand, and Turkey and Azerbaijan, on the other. In this regard, it seems appropriate to rely on the mediation efforts of the United States and the EU. At the same time, expanding cooperation between Armenia and thоse centers of power will create prerequisites for strengthening the regional security architecture by ensuring the normalization of relations between the Republic of Armenia and two neighboring states.

The Government of the Republic of Armenia is initiating efforts to substantiate on international platforms the importance of unblocking transport links while preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states as a condition for establishing long-term peace in the region.

Russia, as a center of power that traditionally has vital interests in the South Caucasus, generally advocates unblocking transport links of the region. Iran also stands for the implementation of this initiative, subject to the preservation of existing state borders in the region. Meanwhile, Turkey and Azerbaijan strive at any cost to achieve the opening of a transport corridor via the territory of Armenia, including at the expense of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Georgia is considering the possibility of unblocking transport links in the region, trying in this case as well to maintain its role there.