VAHAN DILANYAN: ARMENIA SAFEST ROUTE FOR TRANSIT OF ENERGY RESOURCES
Nvard Davtyan

"Radiolur"
13.02.2009 15:58

Armenia has an opportunity to occupy an important place in the projects
of transit of energy resources, President of Political Developments
Research Centre Vahan Dilanyan told a press conference today. He noted
that the Russian-Georgian war and the global economic crisis have
considerably changed the situation in the region and "Armenia can
play a great role." Nevertheless, until now attempts have been made
to isolate Armenia from transit projects because of political reasons.

According to Vahan Dilanyan, unlike other countries in the region,
making Armenia a transit zone would be preferable and secure for
several reasons.

First, using Georgia as transit zone is already risky, since
the problems between the country and Russia have not been solved
yet. Besides, the transit of energy resources through Georgia is
assessed as a long and expensive way. In this case, Armenia could be
an alternative and safe transit route.

On the other hand, Azerbaijan, which is famous for its militant
statements and aggressive disposition, cannot be viewed as a good
strategic partner.

Besides, Vahan Dilanyan considers that the interest of the
international community in these countries is gradually decreasing,
since, according to preliminary calculations, oil resources in
Azerbaijan will start reducing from 2012-2013, and it "even threatens
the implementation of the Nabucco project." Thus, Armenia could be
a more reliable partner.

A for Turkey, Vahan Dilanyan considers that Armenia could be viewed
as a proper transit route in light of the recent improvement of the
Armenian-Turkish relations.