Ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7 in Armenia, the issues of a peace agenda and the reopening of regional communication lines have once again become key topics on the regional political agenda. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent remarks about the Trump route, a new transport hub, and regional integration indicate that a new political phase is emerging in the South Caucasus. Experts believe that the election results will directly affect the future course of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations.
Political commentator Ahmad Shahidov stated in an interview with ARB24 Television that a de facto peace agenda is currently continuing between Azerbaijan and Armenia: “The Armenian people must make the right decision in the upcoming elections. If revanchist forces return to power, Azerbaijan-Armenia relations may deteriorate again, and the risk of military confrontation in the region could increase. The terms Trump route and new transport hub used by Nikol Pashinyan in his recent speeches are not accidental. These messages are signals toward restoring relations with Azerbaijan and reopening communication lines in the region.”
Ahmad Shahidov also noted that the Trump route project is causing serious concern in Russia: “The Kremlin is demanding reports from Armenia regarding this project and wants to keep the process under control. Russia is seriously concerned because it may remain outside such a major logistics project that could be implemented with US mediation. Moscow cannot exert pressure on Azerbaijan because Azerbaijan is an independent and strong sovereign state. However, since Russia still maintains certain influence mechanisms in Armenia, it is trying to pressure the Armenian government ahead of the elections.”
