YEREVAN. – The ghost of a great war is circulating in the region; but if it starts, it is not clear yet which countries—Russia or Iran—will be the targets. In any case, Armenia is in danger of becoming a stage for hostilities, turkologist Ruben Melkonyan told a press conference on Saturday.

According to him, the military exercises of Azerbaijan and Turkey in Kars, Turkey, amid the belligerent statements are a threat not only to Armenia but to the whole region. He explained that the announcements on the unblocking of communication links in the region are important from that point of view and do not pursue an economic goal; otherwise, the Kars-Gyumri railway, as well as the motorways through Kazakh, Azerbaijan, would be reopened, too.

Besides, as per Melkonyan, there are no guarantees for the safe movement of Armenian goods via Azerbaijan. "Yes, Armenia has always stated its readiness to normalize relations with Turkey without preconditions, but in the past it assumed resolving the issue through diplomatic work, whereas now it is just a continuation of inimical actions. This process is not based on our [Armenian] national dignity, but is a continuation of the capitulation," Melkonyan added.

The turkologist noted that both Baku and Ankara are working against Armenia on all international platforms, and Azerbaijan is preparing multibillion-dollar lawsuits against Armenia. "The current [Armenian] authorities are not able to withstand it, and a part of the [Armenian] society has not yet come out from under the influence of propaganda. But the [Armenian] people will not tolerate the loss of our historical lands, cultural and educational centers," said Ruben Melkonyan.