Rule of Law party member Hovhannes Margaryan, however, avoids the explicit statements
– The RA NA President Hovik Abrahamyan said that before leaving for Moscow and Armenia’s signing the declaration to join the Customs Union, the President Serzh Sargsyan consulted with the coalition forces. Can you a little more detail, clarify as to when the discussion was held, particularly what was spoken about and what approaches were voiced?
– First, I would like to clarify one thing, which, few days ago, was also addressed by the head of our party, the secretary of National Security Council Arthur Baghdasaryan: this is not a secret, but this is spoken about. The same Serzh Sargsyan, if you remember, during his visit to Poland he expressed an idea that the RF is Armenia’s ally, strategic partner state. As for the debates, there has been no secret. Everyone had its opinion, its view, and we had opportunities and have publicly expressed our views. Yes, we are in a geopolitical region that for the sake of our future, and our security, we should try to cooperate with everyone, and from strategic perspective to further deepen our relations with the Russians.
– Before the President’s statement, everyone was saying that Armenia’s prospect is with the EU integration, now everyone have begun to justify the President’s move.
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– I do not know who says what, I do not want to comment on anyone’s statements. I will voice my view, our political force had repeatedly discussed, yes, we should further deepen the reform in our country in human rights, justice, information technology and other fields, making closer the relations between the EU and European countries. We should try to lead such a balanced policy with all countries and structures to avoid building relations with someone at the expense of the other one. I’m more than sure that our relations with the EU should deepen.
– What details can you say about the coalition discussions?
– I think you should ask him this question to him. To tell the truth, at present, I can not answer in the place of Mr. Abrahamyan.
– Hovik Abrahamyan clearly stated that the issue was discussed with the coalition forces. Rule of Law is also a coalition force.
– I tell you again that not the day before, but generally, such discussions were always held.
– Specifically, was a discussion held a day before Serzh Sargsyan’s visit to Moscow? Was there a talk about Armenia’s joining the Customs Union?
– There are regular discussions held in the coalition, and a good tradition is adopted with our partner party, and many issues are discussed within the coalition, including those related to the foreign policy. And yes, the fact that today the document to join the Customs Union has been signed, we support it, the Rule of Law party has talked about it.
– Was a discussion held before the President’s leaving?
– In the days prior to leaving, or you mean before that? … I am saying that similar discussions wre held several months ago. Moreover, it was also discussed at the NSC. Naturally, the discussions took place, and it is not necessary that all the parties, both sides, are involved. The leaders have participated, to which, by the way, Mr. Baghdasaryan addressed more thoroughly.
– Yesterday, the RF President’s advisor Sergey Glazyev compared Armenia with Kaliningrad region…
– I do not know what he meant by comparing. If he meant that Kaliningrad region is free and developed region, from this point of view it is welcomed that we are compared with Kaliningrad region as a country. However, as a region, of course, it is unacceptable. We are a separate country. But I do not think that the RF official meant it.
– Not long ago, rumors were spread that Armenia is becoming RF’s region. Do you see logic in that?
– I do not see any logic, moreover, I’m not taking such talks serious.
– Do you rule out that one day we may wake up and know that we live in RF’s region?
– Of course, I exclude. I have communicated with the RF for a long time and have always ruled out this approach, but I have always welcomed deepening of our strategic relations. Additionally, Armenia has collaborated with RF for centuries and is going to continue, and it will not be at the expense of another state.
Of course, the RF has its own interests here, but we have ours as well, and I think what Putin spoke about, both in economic and military political sphere, creates a serious prospect for us.
– Are the doors before Armenia ever closed?
– I do not think so, and this is not a surprise for Europe: this was talked about that Armenia is going to have balanced deepening of its relations with all structures. I can not believe and imagine that the EU will reject Armenia. I think one of the European standards and values is to lead a balanced policy with the partners.
– Will the European structure commence exerting pressure on our country?
– The times for pressures have been passed. People just need to realize that in the case of this or that value, the citizens will feel better, and live better in our country, but there are also many European values that we reject.
So, the President Serzh Sargsyan’s decision was rationale and the result of an extensive work. And the issue will be discussed in the Parliament in a manner defined by the Constitution, everyone will express their position. I, as an MP, support, because I see here … you know, it’s not only the interest, for me, one of the top priority issues is the security.
Interviewer, Nelly GRIGORYAN
P.S. Hovhannes Margaryan said that after the President’s statement, he had received numerous calls from his friends in RF, who have said that an abrupt change of mood is observed in RF against Armenians.
