Zangezur is a historic territory of Azerbaijan. Throughout various periods of history, Zangezur has been subjected to the influence of different states and empires. However, until the early 20th century, this region was never part of any Armenian state. The simple reason is that there was never a state established by the Armenians that ruled over certain territories. During the Afsharid Empire era, Zangezur was part of the Azerbaijani beylik. The areas within the borders of historical Zangezur were divided among the Karabakh, Yerevan, and Nakhchivan khanates during the khanate period. The eastern part of the Zangezur district established during the Russian Empire era is now part of Azerbaijan's sovereign territory. It is no secret that the western part of this historical region was gifted to Armenia as an “revolutionary present” by the Azerbaijani Bolsheviks under the pressure of V.I. Lenin. The importance of Zangezur for Azerbaijan is closely tied to our nation's history and the strategic situation of our state.
The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War ended with Azerbaijan’s historic victory. The Tripartite Statement signed on November 10, 2020, by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia formalized Azerbaijan’s victory and created a new reality in our region. Although the statement did not explicitly mention a “corridor,” it obligated Armenia to establish a transport connection between the main part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This route, referred to as the "Zangezur Corridor," is of crucial importance for the region's future as it would restore all economic and transport connections in the region.
The Zangezur Corridor has three main strategic significances for Azerbaijan:
Geographical Integration with Turkey: The Zangezur Corridor will play a crucial role in eliminating the physical-geographical separation between Turkey and Azerbaijan. This corridor will facilitate easier and direct connections between Turkey and Azerbaijan, contributing to regional integration.
Azerbaijan’s Access to Europe: If the Zangezur Corridor opens, it will ensure Azerbaijan’s access to Europe through Turkey and expand Azerbaijan’s transit routes. This could enhance economic and trade relations.
Ending Nakhchivan’s Blockade: Currently, the land connection between Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan is provided through Iran. If the Zangezur Corridor opens, Nakhchivan will be freed from blockade, creating new opportunities for its economic development.
The issue of opening the Zangezur Corridor has been systematically, consistently, and principled repeatedly raised by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. As highlighted, this issue is of vital importance for Azerbaijan’s regional security and economic development. The president’s efforts in this regard aim to protect the country's strategic interests and strengthen regional connections. Geopolitical powers that are not interested in the development of Azerbaijan and the region oppose the Zangezur Corridor and attempt to obstruct its opening. In other words, those opposing the Zangezur Corridor are supporting revanchism in Armenia.
Thus, resolving this issue requires time. Experience shows that President Ilham Aliyev does not publicly discuss or promise anything about issues he cannot resolve, so to speak. If Aliyev has expressed confidence that the Zangezur Corridor will open, then this initiative will undoubtedly be realized in the near future. The realization of the idea requires political strategies, tactical steps, and maneuvers. In this regard, Ilham Aliyev knows very well what, how, and when to do!
Azerbaijani society knows well that Ilham Aliyev is an open and honest leader. Similarly, many in Armenian society have drawn sufficient conclusions from Azerbaijan’s head of state’s historical messages. Therefore, the current campaign in Armenia suggesting that "Nikol Pashinyan’s diplomatic success has led Baku to abandon the Zangezur Corridor" is laughable.
This naive and baseless propaganda has been fueled by an interview given to foreign media in Azerbaijan. However, Armenian experts with critical thinking skills understand that such fundamental issues cannot be resolved based on an interview or on speculation derived from an interview.
Nikol Pashinyan can deceive his Armenian society with his Armenian characteristics as much as he wants; that is his business.
Thus, the cheap "diplomatic victory" shows organized in Yerevan will soon turn against Nikol Pashinyan, and the question "So, what happened, Pashinyan?" will be asked again.
It will definitely be asked!
Taleh SHAHSUVARLI,
Editor-in-Chief of AzNews.az Analytical-Information Portal