France Undermines South Caucasus With Region's Incompetent Pawn Armenia: Time Is Ticking!

(MENAFN- AzerNews) Akbar Novruz Read more

Armenia is actively engaging in provocations against Azerbaijan under the influence of the West. This is not about the onset of a new war; rather, it involves deliberate short-term provocations in the border areas with Azerbaijan. The Armenian authorities clearly lack the capability to wage a war or secure any meaningful victories. The West, especially France, is working to mislead Yerevan into believing otherwise. Paris is consistently exhibiting provocative actions in the South Caucasus region, and this behaviour cannot be ignored.

For instance, Armenia's deepening military cooperation with France, highlighted by the recent signing of a 2025 defence program , exposes a critical flaw in Yerevan's foreign policy: a preference for dependency over sovereignty. This latest agreement, touted as a step forward by Armenian officials, lays bare a calculated alignment that not only undermines the South Caucasus peace agenda but also risks entrenching Armenia in a dangerous cycle of geopolitical manipulation and militaristic ambitions.

The strategic consultations at Armenia's Ministry of Defense mark more than routine diplomacy. They reflect a conscious effort by Paris to solidify its influence in a region where it has consistently played a disruptive role. France, a vocal opponent of Azerbaijan, has made no secret of its support for Yerevan, often undercutting initiatives aimed at resolving lingering conflicts. By enabling Armenia with military resources and strategic backing, France is fueling revanchist sentiment that runs counter to the peace narrative being championed by Baku.

Armenia's military elites, led by General Edward Asryan, may view this partnership as a safeguard, but in reality, it ties Yerevan's security agenda to French geopolitical interests. This dependency undermines Armenia's autonomy, effectively turning the country into a proxy for Paris's broader ambitions. The question for Armenia is stark: will its leaders choose sovereignty, or will they persist in aligning with external powers at the expense of national stability?

Internal barriers to peace

Meanwhile, Armenia's internal politics reveal a deeper malaise. Former Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan's cynical view of the peace process with Azerbaijan underscores a persistent unwillingness among Armenian elites to engage in genuine reconciliation. Ayvazyan's claims that Azerbaijan is "introducing obstacles" into negotiations are a smokescreen for Armenia's own failure to address fundamental impediments to peace-chief among them, its Constitution.

Armenia's legal framework enshrines territorial ambitions that directly conflict with Azerbaijan's sovereignty. Without amending these constitutional provisions, the prospect of enduring peace remains a pipe dream. Ayvazyan's pessimism is emblematic of an entrenched mindset that prioritizes grievance over resolution, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and hostility-Armenia's pivot toward militarization, emboldened by French support, risks reigniting tensions in the South Caucasus. To achieve lasting peace, amending the Armenian Constitution is essential. There are two significant obstacles obstructing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and one of these is firmly embedded in the Constitution itself. Armenia still has not eliminated territorial claims against Azerbaijan from its constitution. Nikol Pashinyan keeps presenting new justifications and hesitates to make this essential move, which is a significant barrier to peace. Incredibly, the former Foreign Minister of Armenia believes the opposite, asserting that a peace treaty would be ineffective. This viewpoint is unsurprising, considering his track record of failed policies in this area during his tenure. Such thinking is misguided and counterproductive to the goal of peace.

For Armenia, the path forward is clear but challenging. The nation must break free from the toxic influences of external powers like France and recalibrate its policies toward genuine peace with Azerbaijan. This requires courage: revising constitutional barriers, abandoning revanchism, and pursuing diplomacy over dependency.

Armenia is currently caught in a precarious balancing act between Russia and the West, aiming to appease both sides. This strategy is backfiring: both parties are growing increasingly frustrated and are intensifying their pressure on Yerevan. The frequent visits from European officials, and vice-versa, coupled with pointed criticisms from Russian officials regarding Armenia's policies, clearly demonstrate that both sides are intent on asserting their influence over Yerevan and increasing the country's dependency. The Armenian government must adopt a proactive approach and pursue regional cooperation. Normalizing relations with Azerbaijan is not just a prerequisite; it is the critical first step to securing Armenia's independence and stability in the region. The South Caucasus does not need more destabilizing alliances or ideological posturing; it needs a commitment to peace. The onus is on Yerevan to decide whether it will continue to be a pawn in someone else's game or finally assert its sovereignty and work toward a stable and prosperous future.

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