Svante Cornell: Opening of communications to create new opportunities for region

The resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict opens a new chapter for the region, Svante Cornell, Director of the Institute for Security and Development Policy, told the think tanks' conference 'South Caucasus: development and cooperation' that is underway in Shusha.

Report quotes Cornell as saying that Armenian separatism gave rise to such conflicts in the Soviet Union.

He said the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict opens a new chapter for the region though much is yet to be done.

Cornell stressed Azerbaijan's economic growth, making it possible to ensure the quick restoration of the liberated territories.

The expert also noted that Azerbaijan conducts an independent foreign policy and said that one should not try to control Azerbaijan and that it is possible to build mutually profitable cooperation with this country.

He believes that the current realities in the region forced Armenia to abandon its idea. Cornell called on Yerevan to start contacting neighbors instead of trying to invade them.

He also said the opening of communications in the region would help create new opportunities. Cornell added that the tragic events of Russia's invasion of Ukraine destroyed the trade cooperation between East and West, prompting a strong need for alternative routes. He noted that the opening of the Zangazur corridor could also contribute to this.