Middle East crisis could increase economic pressure on Armenia- Russian expert
YEREVAN, April 22. /ARKA/. The ongoing crisis in the Middle East is heightening economic risks for both Armenia and its neighboring countries, according to Professor Vladimir Avatkov, who leads the Department of Middle and Post-Soviet East at the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in an interview with the ARKA news agency.
The expert pointed out that the developments in the Middle East are significantly affecting adjacent regions.
Avatkov asserts that a primary objective of the US is to disrupt connections within Greater Eurasia.
"Nations with strong links to the Middle East will be the most adversely affected. These include countries that import oil from the region, as well as those whose energy supply relies on it. The regional nations themselves are already experiencing difficulties, as they should not depend on external entities for their security, which are not committed to safeguarding it," Avatkov remarked. He stressed that for neighboring countries, including Armenia, the principal repercussions of the crisis will predominantly impact the economy.
"We are witnessing a decline in the flow of goods, which is already evident and will lead to further ramifications. While we do not fully perceive this yet, it is bound to escalate. The second factor pertains to the movement of individuals. Should the crisis persist, and as we observe, it shows no signs of resolution, the US will likely seek to destabilize the post-Soviet region, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia," Avakov indicated.
On February 28, the US and Israel initiated strikes against Iran, prompting the Islamic Republic to retaliate with a series of significant attacks. The situation escalated into a comprehensive conflict.
Despite several temporary ceasefires, the situation in the Middle East remains precarious. Regional stakeholders and international mediators are striving to avert a new escalation, as any increase in hostilities could jeopardize security, energy markets, and trade routes across the region. -0-
