Former Armenian Prime Minister: TRIPP Implementation Questionable
Yerevan, April 18 – Former Armenian Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan has expressed strong reservations about the implementation of the TRIPP project, stating that it will not be a factor in Armenia’s economic development and could cede Armenian territory to an American-Azerbaijani coalition. Bagratyan made these remarks in an interview with NEWS.am’s correspondent.
Accusations Against Current Leadership
Bagratyan did not mince words, criticizing the current Armenian leadership. “Now Armenia is begging another Turkic country (Kazakhstan – ed.) to seize part of its territory. For such an act, he (referring to Pashinyan – ed.) should be arrested,” Bagratyan asserted.
He further elaborated on his concerns, highlighting Kazakhstan’s strained relations with both Armenia and Russia. “Is it not clear that a Turan is being formed? They all (Central Asian countries – ed.) are successively turning against Russia. Kazakhstan is fully integrated into Turkish projects,” Bagratyan noted, emphasizing a perceived regional shift.
Doubts on TRIPP’s Viability and Alternatives
Bagratyan believes that the implementation of the TRIPP project is questionable. He proposed an alternative route, asking, “Why can’t we ensure communication through the Kazakhstan-Gyumri-Kars route? That transit route would be shorter and more effective.”
Context: Broader Regional Developments
Bagratyan’s comments come amidst a backdrop of various regional and international developments, as reported by NEWS.am:
- The Belgian Federal Parliament called for ensuring the right of return for Armenians from Artsakh.
- Lavrov and Fidan held negotiations in Antalya.
- Robert Kocharyan stated that the biggest threat to any country is an unsuccessful leader.
- Mamijanyan claimed that Artsakh was occupied and depopulated due to the current government’s rule.
- Abrahamyan accused the current authorities of hating Armenians, especially those who defend their rights.
- Zurabyan emphasized that establishing sovereign peace and preventing hybrid warfare are primary tasks.
- Transit through the Strait of Hormuz returned to a strict military control regime.
- Romanos Petrosyan is expected to be removed from his temporary position as head of Electric Networks of Armenia.
- The Armenian National Congress published its electoral list.
- Pashinyan stated that Armenia and Russia will continue military-technical cooperation.
- The EU postponed providing 50 million euros to Armenia for elections.
- Additional payments for special forces units of the Armenian Armed Forces will change.
- The government will assist farmers in purchasing expensive fertilizers.
- Azerbaijan confirmed the creation of artificial territories in the Caspian Sea for Aliyev’s former son-in-law’s resort.
- The Asian Development Bank provided another loan to Armenia to build 46 schools.
- The EBRD will grant 264.4 million USD to Armenia for housing forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh.
- The pro-rector of the Pedagogical University and others were arrested in connection with a case.
- The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive 40 million drams for organizing the European Political Community summit.
- Opposition members are being drafted into the army.
- Azerbaijan declared that there would be no peace and trust without TRIPP implementation and amendments to the Armenian Constitution.
- Trump announced positive news regarding Iran.
- France will sign a strategic partnership agreement with Armenia.
- A criminal case was initiated after an incident before Karapetyan’s court session.
- Trade turnover between Russia and Azerbaijan almost halved.
- The date for new negotiations between the US and Iran was announced.
- Iran declared a new order in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Armenia plans to create an asset management office.
- Aliyev met with Erdogan.
- The CEC chairman stated that a party cannot be unregistered based on political evaluations.
- Narek Karapetyan claimed Pashinyan fears a face-to-face meeting with Karapetyan.
- The Chief of General Staff met with the Commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command.
- Samvel Karapetyan assessed his chances at 100% and will remain under house arrest for another 3 months.
- Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament.
- The “Strong Armenia” party prepared a report on double standards.
- Putin stated that Russia has formed special relations with CIS countries.
- Arman Tatoyan highlighted Karen Demirchyan’s precedent: an Armenian can be a hero without weapons.
- Trump stated that the US forbids Israel from bombing Lebanon.
These events collectively underscore a period of significant political and geopolitical activity in the region, with the TRIPP project and its implications remaining a focal point of discussion and contention among Armenian political figures.
Source: golosarmenii.am
