Political analyst criticizes U.S.-Armenia strategic partnership deal
Political analyst Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan criticized the strategic partnership agreement signed between Armenia and the United States on Tuesday, warning that it could increase the risk of a new war.
"The haste in signing the Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter is clear," he wrote on Facebook. “The U.S. is effectively sending a message to the Russian and Iranian presidents, who are set to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in Moscow on January 17."
Melik-Shahnazaryan warned that the document contains provisions that could be perceived as threats to Russia and Iran, turning Armenia into a tool for advancing U.S. strategic interests in the region.
“This risks counteraction from Moscow and Tehran. Unfortunately, Armenia remains caught in geopolitical rivalries, posing major threats to the country,” the analyst stated.
He criticized the Armenian government for worsening relations with its traditional allies, Russia and Iran, and questioned the country's ability to withstand simultaneous conflicts with Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Russia.
"There are no guarantees Armenia can withstand such pressure," he said.
Melik-Shahnazaryan suggested that Azerbaijan would likely exploit the situation, framing a potential war over Syunik as aligned with Russian and Iranian interests.
"The U.S. and Azerbaijan are once again solving their problems at Armenia's expense,” he added.
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