Iran negative about Turkish activities in the regionFebruary 11, 2009 - 20:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The thaw in Armenian-Turkish relations is undoubtedly a positive move for both countries, an Armenian expert said. For Armenia, it's alternative communications. For Ankara, it's a tool to influence Yerevan's political decisions. Witnessing the developments, Iran will itself put forward various stability platforms," Eduard Abrahamyan, expert at Mitq analytical center, told PanARMENIAN.Net Ankara's determination to interfere into the Karabakh process is one of Tehran's concerns, according to him. "If Turkey takes up Karabakh, not only Armenia but also Iran will lose. Surrender of the territories adjacent to Iran will cause extra ethnic-political conflicts for Iran. It's not a secret that Iran experiences problems with Azeris and that the Karabakh regions near Araks River constitute a natural obstacle for Azeri consolidation," Abrahamyan said, adding that Iranian religious and political elite eyes Turkey as major military, political and religious rival. "It's not surprising that Tehran will give a hostile reception to any Turkish regional initiative," he said. "We should also keep in mind that the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation would be welcomed by Tbilisi. It's obvious, that obtaining alternative economic routes, the Armenian leadership will not change its policy toward Georgia," Abrahamyan concluded. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |