Your trusted source

The only genuine partner of the European Union and NATO in the South Caucasus is Turkey, claims Varuzhan Geghamyan, a Yerevan-based geopolitical strategist and regional security expert.

“Despite all the differences with Turkey, the collective West sees the country as its representative in the Caucasus and Central Asia as they share common interests in these regions,” he posted on Facebook on Saturday.

“Since the 19th century, these interests have taken shape: squeeze Russia out of these regions, which is among Turkey’s key national goals.

“Toivo Klaar, the EU's special representative for the South Caucasus, had this in mind when he announced at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday that “Turkey is the leading force in the region" and should "cement its role" through new regional agreements.

“The reverences made by the West to Armenia are not only shallow, but also count for nothing compared to its relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan and will be sacrificed for their sake. Furthermore, the reverences are part of this sacrifice,” the expert stated.