So thinks David Shahnazaryan
– Russia raised the price for gas, then we learned that the Government of Armenia is negotiating with “Gazprom” regarding selling of 20% of the share owned by Armenia in “ArmRusGasArd”. What is going on in Armenian-Russian economic relations?
– Gas price increase, of course, was predictable, but it was obvious that it’s just a political pressure of Russian to Armenia. The issue of yielding 20 percent of share owned by Armenia in “ArmRusGasArd” to Gazprom, in my opinion, is an unacceptable deal, it provides a small, but important part of ownership and sovereignty to RF. I would call on the NA factions and the Deputies not to organize hearings or discussions with the press, but to come up with the initiative holding an extraordinary session of the National Assembly, to submit a project on 20% share owned by Armenia in “ArmRusGazard”, which will expressly prohibit by the law the potential of the share to transfer to RF or any other country. This problem once again proved the indisputable fact that we have a serious problem of energy security.
I would like to point out that, in compliance with latter-day standards and requirements of the free market, in the sector of energy, the gas supplier and the gas distribution implementer can not be the same company, while in the case of Armenia it is the “Gazprom”, which performs these two functions from the position of monopoly, to the point, almost the same situation is in the energy sector. The hostage situation of energy in Armenia prevents the efficiency of the economy, affects the living standards of citizens, and endangers our country’s development prospects. It is necessary to take steps aimed at strengthening of energy security, and diversification of our energy system.
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The small diameter of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, years ago, during the period of Kocharyan was handed over to RF. I think that this is now a strategic issue, and the government should promptly take steps in getting a new large diameter gas pipeline from Iran, which will have all the capabilities to become a transit, especially under the conditions when, after the presidential election in Iran, new and more favorable situation seemed to be created for the implementation of such a project.
– What is your opinion of selling weapons of $ 1 billion to Azerbaijan by RF and persistently circulated information about the fact that Iskander-M complexes were brought to Armenia from RF?
– The fact of selling weapon worth $ 1 billion to Azerbaijan is directly related to our national security. Pay attention to the fact that the matter is purely about the offensive arms, and as a number of international military experts correctly assess, in the result of this transaction the military balance between Armenia and Azerbaijan is violated. It’s amazing both the indifferent response of the authorities (although I’m sure they are seriously concerned), as well as the fact that the parties of
Armenia did not react to the fact, with the exception of “Free Democrats” and “Heritage” parties. The explanations and assurances of RF high-rank officials cannot be any way considered satisfactory that it is a purely economic transaction. In the case, Armenia, in its relations with RF, should pursue by its economy and not only economic interests. The explanations of RF high-rank officials that selling weapons to Azerbaijan is an “economic interest”, “purely business” is not serious, even I would like to remind you about the well-known justification of anti-heroes Mario Puzo: “Nothing personal, just a business…”
We should record that RF has promoted and promotes the militant policy of Azerbaijan to Armenia, as well as further sharpens the arms race started between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Generally, arms race may result in two things: either a war or at least economic decomposition of one of the parties, the bright example of which is the decomposition of the Soviet Union.
I am confident that Moscow clearly realizes the possible consequences of its actions. On June 30, Putin’s statement was quiet “eloquent”, when replying to the Azerbaijani journalist’s question, he said,- “The Russian military base located in the Republic of Azerbaijan is not directed against the interests of Azerbaijan.” And what are the interests of Azerbaijan, is known to everyone, the official Baku announces about it on the highest level that Azerbaijan is going to set up a war against the republic of Armenia.
RF has become a very dangerous ally for RA, and signing the Association Agreement with EU is no longer an alternative, moreover, Armenia need to deepen and expand its military cooperation with the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries within the process of the EU Association Agreement.
As for the news of brining Iskander-M to Armenia, I think that dissemination of such information by RF was a very well organized outflow with the objective to slightly mitigate the concerns of the Armenian society in connection with the transaction of selling 1 billion dollars of weapons to Azerbaijan. But Russian experts are mistaken if they think that the idea of supplying Iskander-M complexes should be accepted in Armenia with great enthusiasm.
I would like to mention about one more important fact. The RA voting in UN was not clear, recently. UN GA adopted the draft submitted by Georgia regarding the issue of refugees from the occupied territories. The Republic of Armenia should have voted abstained for the proposal. Georgia is not only a strategically important neighbor, but we are involved in the EU Association process.
– Customs Union, or EU Association Agreement: is the issue of choice really an item of the agenda?
– The RA authorities announce that they keep balance between RF and the EU relations, that is, they are saying that they are maintaining strategic relationships with the Russia; however, Armenia is headed to initial the EU association agreement. The statements by European diplomats are positive that negotiations around al clauses of the EU Association Agreement are almost completed, and just
technical type of issues are left. I hope it is the case, because it is not only a political decision for Armenia but also a choice of civilization. We hope that the government will have enough political courage that can withstand the pressures of RF.
The latest developments lead to the following conclusion: Armenia can not maintain its current status. Armenia has to make that choice, either a non-existent Eurasian Union, or EU Association Agreement, and an agreement on Free Trade Zone. In other words, either a free market with the EU, or return to the Soviet Union.
Nelly GRIGORYAN
It seems the EU Association Agreement is a better Choice; It is about freedom Vs. Slavery.