Mikhail Alexandrov: Armenia's regional importance grew
It was clear from the first that the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Baku (KAB) is expensive and economically inexpedient, a Russian expert said.
"The only "advantage" of this project was a political goal to isolate Armenia," Caucasus expert at the Institute of CIS Studies Mikhail Alexandrov told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
"However, the South Ossetian crisis made Turkey more cautious about political projects. Here, Russia's influence on this country should not be underestimated. Ankara has understood that the West's further penetration in the Caucasus is pregnant with grave economic consequences. Security of energy sources transportation can also be jeopardized. Baku-Supsa oil pipeline has already been closed while Baku-Novorossiysk has been enabled," he said.
"Under the circumstances, Kars-Gyumri is cheaper and more secure that the KAB. I can presume that Armenia's regional importance has grown," the expert said.
"The only "advantage" of this project was a political goal to isolate Armenia," Caucasus expert at the Institute of CIS Studies Mikhail Alexandrov told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.
"However, the South Ossetian crisis made Turkey more cautious about political projects. Here, Russia's influence on this country should not be underestimated. Ankara has understood that the West's further penetration in the Caucasus is pregnant with grave economic consequences. Security of energy sources transportation can also be jeopardized. Baku-Supsa oil pipeline has already been closed while Baku-Novorossiysk has been enabled," he said.
"Under the circumstances, Kars-Gyumri is cheaper and more secure that the KAB. I can presume that Armenia's regional importance has grown," the expert said.
