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Day: March 5, 2024
The 1986 disaster at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant transformed the surrounding area into the most radioactive landscape on Earth. Humans were evacuated, but many plants and animals continue to live in the region, despite the high levels of radiation that persist nearly four decades later.
A new study led by researchers at New York University finds that exposure to chronic radiation from Chornobyl has not damaged the genomes of microscopic worms living there today—which doesn’t mean that the region is safe, the scientists caution, but suggests that these worms are exceptionally resilient.
In recent years, researchers have found that some animals living in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone—the region in northern Ukraine within an 18.6-mile radius of the power plant—are physically and genetically different from their counterparts elsewhere, raising questions about the impact of chronic radiation on DNA.
“Chornobyl was a tragedy of incomprehensible scale, but we still don’t have a great grasp on the effects of the disaster on local populations,” said Sophia Tintori, a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Biology at NYU and the first author of the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). “Did the sudden environmental shift select for species, or even individuals within a species, that are naturally more resistant to ionizing radiation?”
To dig into this, Tintori and her colleagues turned to nematodes, tiny worms with simple genomes and rapid reproduction, which makes them particularly useful for understanding basic biological phenomena.
“These worms live everywhere, and they live quickly, so they go through dozens of generations of evolution while a typical vertebrate is still putting on its shoes,” said Matthew Rockman, a professor of biology at NYU and the study’s senior author.
“I had seen footage of the exclusion zone and was surprised by how lush and overgrown it looked—I’d never thought of it as teeming with life,” added Tintori. “If I want to find worms that are particularly tolerant to radiation exposure, this is a landscape that might have already selected for that.”
The worms of Chornobyl
In collaboration with scientists in Ukraine and U.S. colleagues—including biologist Timothy Mousseau of the University of South Carolina, who studies the effects of radiation from the Chornobyl and Fukushima disasters—Tintori and Rockman visited the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone in 2019 to see if chronic radiation has had a detectable impact on the region’s worms. With Geiger counters in hand to measure local levels of radiation and personal protective gear to guard against radioactive dust, they gathered worms from samples of soil, rotting fruit, and other organic material. Worms were collected from locations throughout the zone with different amounts of radiation, ranging from low levels on par with New York City (negligibly radioactive) to high-radiation sites on par with outer space (dangerous for humans, but of unclear if it would be dangerous to worms).
After collecting samples in the field, the team brought them to Mousseau’s field lab in a former residential home in Chornobyl, where they separated hundreds of nematodes from the soil or fruit. From there, they headed to a Kyiv hotel where, using travel microscopes, they isolated and established cultures from each worm.
Back in the lab at NYU, the researchers continued studying the worms—part of which involved freezing them.
“We can cryopreserve worms, and then thaw them for study later. That means that we can stop evolution from happening in the lab, something impossible with most other animal models, and very valuable when we want to compare animals that have experienced different evolutionary histories,” said Rockman.
They focused their analyses on 15 worms of a nematode species called Oscheius tipulae, which has been used in genetic and evolutionary studies. They sequenced the genomes of the 15 O. tipulae worms from Chornobyl and compared them with the genomes of five O. tipulae from other parts of the world.
Different DNA—but not due to radiation
The researchers were surprised to find that, using several different analyses, they could not detect a signature of radiation damage on the genomes of the worms from Chornobyl.
“This doesn’t mean that Chornobyl is safe—it more likely means that nematodes are really resilient animals and can withstand extreme conditions,” noted Tintori. “We also don’t know how long each of the worms we collected was in the Zone, so we can’t be sure exactly what level of exposure each worm and its ancestors received over the past four decades.”
Wondering whether the lack of genetic signature was because the worms living in Chornobyl are unusually effective at protecting or repairing their DNA, the researchers designed a system to compare how quickly populations of worms grow and used it to measure how sensitive the descendants of each of the 20 genetically distinct worms were to different types of DNA damage.
While the lineages of worms were different from each other in how well they tolerated DNA damage, these differences didn’t correspond to the levels of radiation at each collection site. Their findings suggest that worms from Chornobyl are not necessarily more tolerant of radiation and the radioactive landscape has not forced them to evolve.
What worms can teach us about our own biology
The results give researchers clues into how DNA repair can vary from individual to individual—and despite the genetic simplicity of O. tipulae, could lead to a better understanding of natural variation in humans.
“Now that we know which strains of O. tipulae are more sensitive or more tolerant to DNA damage, we can use these strains to study why different individuals are more likely than others to suffer the effects of carcinogens,” said Tintori.
How different individuals in a species respond to DNA damage is top of mind for cancer researchers seeking to understand why some humans with a genetic predisposition to cancer develop the disease, while others do not.
“Thinking about how individuals respond differently to DNA-damaging agents in the environment is something that will help us have a clear vision of our own risk factors,” added Tintori.
Strategies deployed for the restoration of degraded land have had promising results in Brazil’s semi-arid region, improving the microbial properties of the soil and contributing to a return of native ecosystem services. The techniques include removal of cattle or restriction of their access to specific areas of pasture; cultivation of cover crops; and terracing to control erosion. Recovery of soil microbial properties maintains biodiversity and raises crop yields, contributing to agricultural sustainability.
These are the main findings of a study reported in the Journal of Environmental Management by a Brazilian research group comprising scientists affiliated with the University of São Paulo (USP), the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), and the Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco (UFAPE). The review article encompasses 18 studies conducted in the semi-arid region, especially the Caatinga, a local biome consisting mainly of deciduous thorn forest.
The area susceptible to desertification corresponds to 70% of the Northeast region, or about 16% of Brazil’s total landmass. It contains more than 1,400 municipalities (out of a nationwide total of 5,570) and spans nine states with an aggregate population of 35 million.
Biodiversity is high in the Caatinga, with some 600 species of birds, 240 species of fish and 170 species of mammals, among others. Family farmers are very much in the majority and are particularly exposed to climate risk. The main family farming municipalities have suffered severe production losses in the past three decades.
According to a study by the Climate Policy Initiative at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (CPI/PUC-Rio), the increase in drought events in the Caatinga correlates with higher yield losses for beans (16%) and corn (35%) compared with other biomes (6% and 16% respectively). In the case of cattle raising, productivity falls 9% in the Caatinga but rises 1% elsewhere.
“We set out to understand the soil microbiome and its functions in order to identify tools that can help restore degraded areas in the semi-arid region. We found that restoration techniques have led to a return of microbial diversity and hence a resumption of ecosystem services and functions similar to what they were naturally,” Lucas William Mendes, last author of the article, told Agência FAPESP. Mendes is a professor at the University of São Paulo’s Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA-USP). He is supported by FAPESP via two projects.
About the soil microbiome
The soil microbiome is the community of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists and viruses – that live in soil, along with their genetic material, functions, and relationships with the environment. It plays an important role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, greenhouse gas emissions, and plant health.
Microorganisms are involved in the formation and stabilization of carbon-rich organic matter, contributing to carbon sequestration and mitigating the effects of climate change. “By understanding how some microorganisms live in drought-ridden areas and contribute to plant growth there, we can discover novel inoculants for use in developing vegetation in semi-arid regions,” Mendes said.
An analysis of the effects of restoration techniques on the soil microbiome highlights land quality as a basis for reducing synthetic inputs and leveraging biotechnological potential to implement sustainable practices.
Sustainability is the current focus for the G20 Agriculture Working Group. Comprising 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union, the G20 is chaired by Brazil this year. The summit for heads of state and government will be held in November in Rio de Janeiro.
For Erika Valente de Medeiros and Diogo Paes da Costa, professors at UFAPE and co-authors of the article, research of this kind can provide vital knowledge for policymakers to devise sustainable development strategies and combat desertification. “These initiatives are fundamental, especially insofar as they make use of the concept of global health, which acknowledges the interconnectedness between ecosystem health, soil microbiome diversity and human wellbeing,” Medeiros said.
Natural and anthropogenic factors
In the article, the researchers show that desertification in Brazil’s semi-arid region is influenced both by natural factors, such as low rainfall, high evaporation and fragile soil, and by anthropogenic factors, such as non-sustainable livestock production and crop growing without adequate land management.
“The study is important because it highlights the negative effects of desertification and points to effective practices to restore soil microbial diversity,” said agronomist Ademir Sérgio Ferreira de Araújo, first author of the article, a researcher with CENA-USP and a professor of soil microbiology at UFPI.
The group used molecular techniques such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to measure and assess the effects of soil microbiome restoration projects. Some areas were restored with new plant cover, such as Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) and Guinea grass (Panicum maximum). The latter, a plant of African origin found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions, is an excellent cattle forage crop thanks to its high green mass yield and elevated crude protein content. “With plant cover changing soil chemistry, improvements in pasture were sufficient to support an increase in head of cattle per hectare and in productivity,” Mendes said.
Terracing helps control erosion, conserves water and facilitates farming. “It’s important to bear in mind that restoration of soil microbial properties is a complex process that takes time, requiring long-term commitment and monitoring. Hence the need for more research in this field,” he said.
Mendes is also a co-author of an article published in January in the journal Plant and Soil, advocating a systems-based approach to land restoration that integrates biological approaches with environmental variables such as ecosystem properties, climate and soil types. Led by Brajesh Singh, a researcher at Western Sydney University in Australia, and with a global purview, the study supported this approach by integrating novel computational tools and satellite imaging to facilitate implementation of ecosystem management, monitoring and restoration.
In good news for office workers, a new study from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre (Australia) has found increasing your step count may counteract the health consequences of too much sedentary time each day.
The study of over 72,000 people, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found every additional step up to around 10,000 steps a day was linked to reduced risk of death (39 percent) and cardiovascular disease (21 percent) regardless of how much remaining time was spent sedentary.
Previous studies have shown an association between greater daily step count and lower levels of death and CVD, and separate studies have linked high levels of sedentary behaviour with increased risks of CVD and death. However, this is the first to objectively measure, via wrist-worn wearables, if daily steps could offset the health risks of high sedentary behaviour.
Lead author and research fellow, Dr Matthew Ahmadi said: “This is by no means a get out of jail card for people who are sedentary for excessive periods of time, however, it does hold an important public health message that all movement matters and that people can and should try to offset the health consequences of unavoidable sedentary time by upping their daily step count.”
Senior author Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, Director of the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub at the Charles Perkins Centre, said this growing body of physical activity research using device-based measurement provided huge opportunities for public health.
“Step count is a tangible and easily understood measure of physical activity that can help people in the community, and indeed health professionals, accurately monitor physical activity. We hope this evidence will inform the first generation of device-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines, which should include key recommendations on daily stepping,” said Professor Stamatakis.
How was the study conducted?
Researchers used data on 72,174 individuals (average age 61; 58% female) from the UK Biobank study – a major biomedical database – who had worn an accelerometer device on their wrist for seven days to measure their physical activity. The accelerometer data were used to estimate daily step count and time spent sedentary, that is sitting or lying down while awake.
The research team then followed the health trajectory of the participants by linking hospitalisation data and death records.
The median daily step count for participants was 6222 steps/day, and 2200 steps/day (the lowest 5 percent of daily steps among all participants) was taken as the comparator for assessing the impact on death and CVD events of increasing step count.
The median time spent sedentary was 10.6 hours/day, so study participants sedentary for 10.5 hours/day or more were considered to have high sedentary time while those who spent less than 10.5 hours/day sedentary were classified as low sedentary time.
Adjustments were made to eliminate biases, such as excluding participants with poor health, who were underweight or had a health event within two years of follow-up. Researchers also took into account factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diet and parental history of CVD and cancer.
What did they find?
Over an average 6.9 years follow up, 1633 deaths and 6190 CVD events occurred.
After taking account of other potential influences, the authors calculated that the optimal number of steps per day to counteract high sedentary time was between 9000 to 10000 steps/day, which lowered mortality risk by 39 percent and incident CVD risk by 21 percent.
In both cases, 50 percent of the benefit was achieved at between 4000 and 4500 steps a day.
Study limitations
This is an observational study so can’t establish direct cause and effect. And although the large sample size and long follow-up allowed the risk of bias to be reduced, the authors acknowledge the possibility that other unmeasured factors could affect results. As steps and sedentary time were obtained in a single time point, this could also lead to bias, they add.
Nevertheless, they conclude, “Any amount of daily steps above the referent 2200 steps/day was associated with lower mortality and incident CVD risk, for low and high sedentary time. Accruing between 9000 and 10,000 steps a day optimally lowered the risk of mortality and incident CVD among highly sedentary participants.”
During the inaugural panel discussion of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum convened in Antalya, Turkey on March 2, 2024, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud addressed the pressing issues of global climate change, climate migration, and climate refugees. Alongside Foreign Ministers from Malaysia and Bangladesh, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, various facets of “Building Asia-Pacific Regional Architecture: The Challenge of Unmatching Interests” were deliberated upon.
Minister Mahmud underscored that, akin to numerous small and island nations, Bangladesh has borne the brunt of climate change and global warming, emerging as one of the most severely affected regions. He emphasized the imminent risk faced by Bangladesh’s entire coastal area due to rising sea levels and the escalation of greenhouse gas emissions over the past three decades. Minister Mahmud stressed that this phenomenon has resulted in a continuous influx of climate migrants, necessitating an urgent revision of the definition of climate migrants and refugees by the global community. He highlighted the detrimental impact of global warming, among other factors, in exacerbating the proliferation of climate migrants and refugees.
Amid a global refugee crisis and escalating displacement, Bangladesh stands out as a beacon of compassion and resilience, particularly in light of its generous acceptance of over 1.2 million Rohingyas. This significant humanitarian gesture has not only demonstrated Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of solidarity and human rights but has also underscored its pivotal role as a prominent advocate on the international stage.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) is an annual gathering held in Antalya, Turkey, starting in 2021, where policymakers, diplomats, and academics convene to exchange ideas and perspectives on international diplomacy, policy, and business. Organized by the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the forum aims to bring together heads of state, government officials, and representatives from various sectors to discuss global issues over a period of up to three days. The forum, themed “Recoding Diplomacy,” attracts participants from around 75 countries, including senior politicians, diplomats, military and security experts. Its purpose is to address contemporary diplomatic and energy policy challenges, emphasizing the concept of networked security. Discussions focus on transatlantic relations, European and global security, and other pressing issues facing the international community.
Notably, the 2022 edition of the forum facilitated high-level talks between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu within the framework of Russia–Ukraine peace negotiations. The ADF is characterized by its informal nature, serving as a platform for discussion rather than decision-making. It features panels, side events, and youth forums, with partnerships established with organizations such as the Atlantic Council and the Munich Security Conference. The forum’s upcoming edition, initially scheduled for March 2023, was postponed due to the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake and rescheduled for March 2024, with the theme “Effective Diplomacy for Peace and Order.”
The central theme of this year’s Forum is “Advancing Diplomacy in Times of Turmoil” designed to provide a comprehensive examination and a pathway towards achieving peace amidst the current tumultuous global landscape. Persistent conflicts, terrorism, irregular migration, the surge of xenophobia and Islamophobia, emerging threats from AI, climate change, natural calamities, pandemics, and widening economic disparities represent just a portion of the myriad global challenges. Additionally, the declining trust in the rules-based international order poses a significant concern, destabilizing the predictability of the international arena within which nations facilitate.
Back in March 2022, Former Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen urged Asian nations to assume leadership roles in confronting the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by the swiftly changing global landscape. He conveyed this message during his participation in the roundtable discussion titled “Asia Anew: For sustainable regional growth” at the 2nd Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey. During the roundtable, Dr Momen discussed Bangladesh’s strategies for addressing pressing issues like COVID-19 and climate change, outlining the government’s plans to elevate Bangladesh to the status of a developed nation within the next two decades. He stressed the importance of providing affordable green technologies to all countries and the necessity of investment to generate meaningful employment opportunities.
Dr Momen reiterated Bangladesh’s proposal for establishing a South-South forum of Foreign Ministers aimed at facilitating the exchange of ideas and promoting best practices to address economic challenges in developing countries. The roundtable, attended by various other Asian foreign ministers, provided a platform for these discussions. In light of ongoing global conflicts, Dr Momen highlighted Bangladesh’s advocacy for a culture of peace, emphasizing the crucial role of tolerance and empathy in building a sustainable and habitable world for future generations. He also addressed the Rohingya crisis, commending Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s bold decision to provide shelter to 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, while stressing the importance of international cooperation in resolving regional crises.
During the recent gathering, Bangladesh emphatically called upon the global community to promptly reassess and update the prevailing definition of climate migrants and refugees, aligning it more closely with the established UN criteria for migrants and refugees. The foreign minister underscored the intrinsic value of life on our planet, emphasizing that while Bangladesh and numerous environmental experts have long been addressing the issue of climate change, it has only recently garnered widespread acknowledgment from global leaders.
Despite the mounting evidence and urgency, affluent nations, which bear the greatest responsibility for exacerbating global warming, have regrettably failed to take adequate measures to address this existential threat and safeguard our shared environment. Minister Hasan pointed out that while climate change may manifest as a local issue, its repercussions are undeniably global in scope, with Bangladesh serving as a poignant example of a nation disproportionately impacted by its adverse effects. In light of these sobering realities, Bangladesh implored all activists, policymakers, and global leaders to recognize the paramount importance of revising the definition of climate migrants and refugees. It is imperative, the foreign minister stressed, that a comprehensive and inclusive definition be formulated through collaborative efforts to ensure the effective protection of vulnerable populations and the preservation of opportunities for future generations.
Amidst the discussions and deliberations at the forum, Bangladesh’s presence resonates as a potent reminder of the urgent need for collective action and burden-sharing in addressing the plight of refugees and displaced populations worldwide. By sheltering and providing for such a substantial number of Rohingyas, Bangladesh has not only alleviated immediate suffering but has also exemplified the spirit of compassion and empathy that transcends borders and nationalities.
As a strong voice at the forum, Bangladesh brings to the forefront the pressing challenges and complexities associated with refugee crises, urging the global community to adopt a comprehensive and sustainable approach to addressing the root causes of displacement. Moreover, Bangladesh’s firsthand experience with hosting displaced populations offers invaluable insights and perspectives that enrich the dialogue and inform the formulation of effective strategies for mitigating the impact of displacement and fostering long-term solutions.
In essence, Bangladesh’s proactive engagement and steadfast advocacy serve as a powerful catalyst for mobilizing international support and solidarity in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by refugee crises. Through its actions and advocacy, Bangladesh continues to inspire hope and reaffirm the enduring values of compassion, solidarity, and resilience in the face of adversity on the global stage.
Azerbaijan has crowned the November 2020 Karabakh victory with the February 2024 presidential elections, re-delegating the incumbent president with a fresh 7-year-long mandate to rule the nation with restored territorial integrity for the first time since the fall of the USSR.
Cruciality of restoring territorial integrity & gigantic tasks ahead
The Karabakh victory has played a significant role in the February 2024 presidential elections and this mandate comes with the promise of restored territorial integrity, which is a significant achievement for Azerbaijan since the fall of the USSR.
The resounding victory of President Ilham Aliyev in Azerbaijan’s snap presidential election, securing 92.12 percent of the votes, heralds a pivotal moment for the nation’s far-reaching ambitions. As Azerbaijan navigates complex regional dynamics, including its relationship with Armenia and pressures from Europe, Ilham Aliyev’s leadership will significantly shape the country’s future and shield it from overt and covert threats and plots.
Looking ahead to 2024, several key factors will shape Azerbaijan’s trajectory and influence the broader region. Regional stability is and will remain pivotal for the stability of Azerbaijan and the entire Caucasus region. President Aliyev’s administration is to continue to prioritize efforts to maintain internal stability while navigating regional dynamics, particularly regarding its relationship with Armenia.
Azerbaijan’s economy, heavily reliant on oil and gas exports, is to undergo diversification efforts to reduce dependency on hydrocarbons. The government’s focus on infrastructure development, technology investment, and diversifying the economy will also be vital for sustainable growth.
President Ilham Aliyev’s new cabinet is to engage in diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with key regional and global players, including Russia, Türkiye, and European nations, and balancing these relationships will be crucial for the nation’s geopolitical positioning and economic interests.
Azerbaijan continues to play a significant role in global energy markets as a key supplier of oil and gas. The government is to pursue strategies to maximize energy revenues while adapting to shifts in global energy dynamics, including renewable energy initiatives and diversification of energy export routes.
The government is and will remain vigilant regarding security threats, including potential spillovers from conflicts in neighboring countries, and addressing internal security challenges. Cooperation with regional partners and international organizations will be essential in addressing security concerns effectively.
Pressure from European nations and international organizations for democratic reforms and human rights improvements will persist. President Aliyev’s administration will need to balance these demands with domestic priorities while upholding Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and stability.
Azerbaijan should also focus on promoting cultural heritage, education, and social development initiatives to foster national identity and social cohesion. Efforts to address socioeconomic disparities and promote inclusivity will contribute to overall stability and progress.
The year 2024 holds both opportunities and challenges for Azerbaijan and the broader region. President Aliyev’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating these complexities, fostering stability, advancing economic development, and strengthening diplomatic relations to ensure a prosperous future for Azerbaijan and its neighbors.
With tensions persisting between Azerbaijan and Armenia, particularly over issues related to Karabakh, Aliyev’s victory underscores a renewed mandate for diplomatic engagement. While the possibility of signing a peace agreement remains on the horizon, Aliyev’s steadfast approach to negotiations will be instrumental in fostering stability and reconciling historical grievances.
Much-needed reforms
Since the 2020 win in Karabakh, the government focused on healing and cementing unity in Azerbaijan, ensuring the success of a significant victory. Moving forward into a new phase starting in 2024, the February 7, 2024, elections mark the transition between phases. The people and the state of Azerbaijan need to be aware of potential challenges and remain focused on the path and goals ahead.
To ensure the competitiveness and resilience of the Azerbaijani state in the face of geopolitical changes, it is crucial to implement systematic reforms. These reforms should go beyond mere personnel changes. While personnel reforms are important, it is essential to recognize that a planned economy solely controlled by the state, without competition, can lead to the collapse of the state in the long run.
Therefore, reforms should encompass a broader scope, including economic policies that promote competition and adaptability. By embracing these reforms, the government can meet the expectations of society and navigate the challenges ahead successfully.
The need for radical reforms in the governance system at all levels of power, surpassing structural and personnel changes is vital. While personnel and structural reforms can play a role in this process, it is important to consider broader reforms. During the recent election process, interesting ideas and proposals were put forward, and they need to be carefully analyzed and taken into consideration.
Predicting possible future changes
Starting in April, significant processes are expected to unfold in the region, including the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the CIS region. There is a possibility of taking important steps towards the institutionalization and organization of the Organization of Turkic States, potentially becoming a single platform for economic and political integration.
The realization of the 3+3 or 3+2 format is also a possibility. From May to December, there may be progress in the development of bilateral and multilateral relations in the region, with initial signs of regional security mechanisms emerging. Additionally, there is mention of the prospect of signing a peace treaty with Armenia. Overall, it is anticipated that 2024 will be a year of significant changes and innovations.
It is important to protect national interests, which may not align with the interests of those attempting to influence the South Caucasus region. Based on this context, there is a possibility of significant developments occurring towards the end of this year and the beginning of next year.
In a similar vein, the Pashinyan government is facing pressure from Russia and Azerbaijan and has to greenlight the opening of the Zangazur Corridor. The Kremlin’s pressure on Armenia and Iran is vital to bring about the realization of this project. Nikol Pashinyan’s intention to move Armenia closer to the EU will not lead to dramatic changes in his home and entire region and its openness and prosperity will depend on regional cooperation.
The EU may see Armenia primarily as a geopolitical tool and may not provide extensive support in the regional peace process. Consequently, direct bilateral contacts with Azerbaijan may be seen as an alternative option for official Yerevan. Reports leaked indicate that Nikol Pashinyan has emphasized the importance of bilateral contacts with Azerbaijan at a closed meeting of his government. He advocated direct communication mechanisms with Azerbaijan.
Axiomatic that the peace process will primarily involve direct discussions between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Official Baku is not willing to give another chance to the biased and one-sided mediation mission of the EU, except for the mediation mission of European Council President Charles Michel. On the other hand, official Yerevan does not want to involve Russia in the mediation mission though Azerbaijan has a more tolerant approach towards it compared to the EU.
Armenia & Russia at loggerheads
Tensions run high between Russia and Armenia over the latter’s efforts to establish closer relations with the West. The Kremlin is irritated by Armenia’s behavior and has been expressing its anger through statements made by Russian officials and pro-Kremlin experts. Moscow has been attacking the political and public positions of the Armenian government, accusing them of spreading propaganda and making fabricated claims.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova in response to an Armenian journalist’s question about the destruction of WWII monuments in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan asked for evidence to support the journalist’s claims and stated that a position on the matter can only be announced after reviewing the facts. This response has caused dissatisfaction among the Armenian society, as it is seen as an indirect suggestion that the journalist’s claims are false.
The presence of Russian peacekeepers in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan stated that the latter had not destroyed any monuments, and if such destruction had occurred, it would have been recorded and reported to the Russian leadership. Additionally, it is mentioned that the Kremlin has accurate information that Armenians destroyed WWII monuments during the occupation and made changes to turn them into monuments of Armenian terrorists.
Similarly, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said that Karabakh Armenians left the region voluntarily, without any violence or pressure. This statement is said to refute the claims of genocide and ethnic cleansing made by Armenians. It is suggested that Russia is the only country with accurate information about the situation in the Karabakh region due to the presence of Russian peacekeeping forces.
Additionally, the Kremlin backs the opening of transport and communication routes between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia and it also includes the Zangazur Corridor to connect mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan’s strategic importance, coupled with its energy resources, places it at the center of European geopolitical interests. President Aliyev is facing the challenge of balancing these interests with domestic priorities while upholding Azerbaijan’s sovereignty. As European pressure mounts on issues such as human rights and democratic reforms, the government of Aliyev should navigate these complexities with pragmatism and strategic foresight.
Ilham Aliyev’s landslide victory provides a mandate for continuity in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and domestic governance and his leadership will be pivotal in steering the nation through regional challenges while advancing its interests on the global stage. As Azerbaijan embraces its role as a key player in the Caucasus region, Aliyev’s presidency holds significant implications for regional stability and diplomatic relations.
In a nutshell, President Ilham Aliyev’s overwhelming electoral triumph signals a crucial juncture for Azerbaijan, shaping its approach to regional dynamics and international relations. With a mandate for leadership reaffirmed, Aliyev’s tenure will be defined by his ability to navigate geopolitical complexities while advancing Azerbaijan’s interests on multiple fronts.