Andrey Areshev thinks that one should take heed of Kurginyan’s statements and draw conclusions
* Serzh Sargsyan’s failure to participate in the CSTO and the EurAsEC summits has caused heated discussions. Experts express an opinion that Armenia needs to be perceived as more than just Russia’s ally, needs to be perceived as a country that strengthens its ties with NATO and the EU, so the President of Armenia sent a message in response to the Russian Federation’s increasing gas prices and Moscow’s pressures to join the Eurasian Union. Mr. Areshev, are these opinions grounded?
* Serzh Sargsyan’s absence at the CSTO and EurAsEC summits was subjected to the mass media intrigue. First of all, let me note that this summit was a routine one, and no document of great importance for all the participants was signed there. As for the EurAsEC summit, first of all, the participation of the President of Ukraine was important here. Let me just remind that Alexander Lukashenka, the President of Belarus, didn’t participate in the Bishkek summit either, but no conspiracy theories were put forward in that regard. In my opinion, the relations between Armenia and the Russian Federation both in the format of the CSTO and in the bilateral format develop as planned; at least, the sides have ample opportunities to “synch up watches” and outline join steps. Therefore, I don’t see serious intrigue. As for the increase in gas prices, I would like to remind that it was known long ago – at least as early as a few months ago – that gas prices would increase, and the Armenian side agreed with the Russian partners on that. However, for some reason the mass media have made a fuss now, after all the elections have ended. Probably, there were sufficient reasons for that, including internal political. As for the relations between the EU and Armenia, I think that there are more expectations in the run-up to the Vilnius Summit. Yes, certain documents regarding association with the EU may be adopted, but it doesn’t mean at all that the agreement will be signed. Besides, the meaning of those documents is that the EU will do with Armenia anything it wants, and Armenia will hardly have enough levers to influence the decisions that will be made in the EU and are related to the South Caucasus, Armenia in particular. I would just like them to discuss this kind of issues more calmly, not mix them up. On the other hand, one had better abstain from exaggerated expectations from the so-called European integration.
* I.e., you doubt that Armenia will sign the EU Association Agreement?
Read also
* I doubt that the EU is interested in signing documents with Armenia, as well as the other post-Soviet countries, including Russia, that are in line with the interests of those countries. The EU will first of all pursue its own interests, which, in the South Caucasus, are related first of all to energy, second and third of all to energy again; there is no doubt about it. As to the fact that Armenian exporters will gain more privileges on the European market than they have now, I greatly doubt this.
* The statements of Russian political scientist Sergey Kurginyan who came to Armenia the other day were received rather negatively. He first stated that Armenia had to choose either brotherly relations with the Russian Federation or mutual interests. He also stated that Karabakh wasn’t under the threat of Azeri aggression but was under the threat of Armenia’s betrayal. Mr. Areshev, have you noticed any signs of mistrust between Armenia and Russia recently?
* I think people in Armenia had better take heed of Kurginyan’s statements you have pointed out and draw certain conclusions. I am under an impression – God forbid that it should become reality – that there always are sings of mistrust between two countries; reasons for that mistrust are understandable: Armenia and Russia are independent countries, and each of them made considerable effort to achieve its independence. Being allied countries, they act as independent countries, and in my opinion, one should not be offended; one should soberly and adequately assess the situation.
Russia shows considerable support for Armenia’s security, which doesn’t rule out military cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Armenia carries out a complementary foreign policy, and, as far as I know, no one in Russia reprimands Armenia for that course. Naturally, the Russian Federation also has its dynamics in relations with other countries, and one can consider that. It is a very positive fact that Kurginyan considered it because it draws attention to the problems once again. As for “Armenia’s possible betrayal” of Karabakh, then, in my opinion, it will not happen; there are no signs of that.
* OK. And what will you say about Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statements that he made at a joint press conference with his Azeri counterpart, Elmar Mamedyarov: “…the status quo means that the issue of the Azeri territories’ return hasn’t been solved yet; it also means Armenia’s economic blockage.” Surely, one should make certain conclusions from the Foreign Minister’s statements.
* Diplomatic language has its features. You and some other people in Armenia consider it that way; I consider Lavrov’s statements in the context of maintaining the status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and resolving the conflict peacefully and diplomatically. As for the issue of communications, one must note that some representatives of Armenia have also expressed opinions that the territories around Nagorno-Karabakh at least do not belong to Armenia. However, one shouldn’t draw long-term conclusions from those statements that can be considered from this or that perspective, be linked to this or that process. I don’t see a change in Russia’s position on the Karabakh conflict; the Russian Federation’s position aims at a peaceful and political resolution, based on compromises. However, in the absence of those, certainly, there is no alternative other than the maintenance of the status quo. Such an alternative could have been escalation of the conflict, against which Russia makes statements at all levels and uses all means.
EMMA GABRIELYAN
Aravot Daily
