Armenia’s foreign policies contingent upon Russia - oppositionist
The leader of the opposition Free Democrats party considers Russia a predominant factor in Armenia’s foreign policies.
Speaking to Tert.am, Khachatur Kokobelyan said he regrets to confirm the bare truth that Russia remains the only country today that determines Armenia’s foreign policy course.
“Armenia’s foreign policies have for many years been an integral part of Russia’s foreign policies, but our interests do not always coincide,” he said.
The politician disagreed to the opinion that Russia’s Customs Union deal will raise Armenia’s economic advantages, helping bring down the natural gas prices and increase the amount of pensions.
“They may give us a lot of money in return for our independence, but think of the losses we would suffer in that case. I think it is very speculated by people who support or simply bear the Russian influence, considering Armenia’s membership in the Customs Union mandatory,” he said, stressing the importance of European integration.
“If we do not choose the European course, Armenia will, in my deepest conviction, find itself in a very difficult situation. I think the way they represent the European values and the European standards to the society is reduced to such primitiveness at times that it is even surprising. The policies Armenia adopts must be absolutely in line with the 21st century’s standards to ensure a dignified life,” Kokobelyan continued.
The Free Democrats leader further called attention to what he considered the Russian pressure, particularly the requirement for higher natural gas tariffs and the weapons sale deal with Azerbaijan (which is not a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization).
“The policies which Russia pursues are an obvious pressure, not messages. Armenia being a CSTO member state and their military ally, they supplies weapons to a republic which is our country’s biggest opponent,” he explained.
Asked what advantages the European integration would offer, the politician answered, “Heading towards Europe is a great opportunity of progress in pure economic terms, but also in the sphere of human rights.”
But Kokobelyan agreed to the remark the security guarantees which Russia offers should have reliable alternatives to help Armenia change its policy line. “The West has to offer us a serious alternative not to leave the Nagorno-Karabakh security issue hanging in the air,” he noted.
Kokobelyan further ruled out the possibility of multi-vectoral foreign policies.
“Armenia simply pursues friendly policies with the Europeans, and does so to an extent not to hamper the Russian side. Over the course of our history. we have seen our relations laying obstacles to the Russian interests. Those relations deteriorate
“I wouldn’t like that to happen. Yes, being a [representative of] the opposition, I am hopeful that the authorities will have enough willimgness to bring the Association Agreement deal to an end,” Kokobelyan added.
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