If the Russian First Channel says something in the analytical transmission on Sundays, it can not be accidental. Moreover, it can not be the initiative or personal opinion of the newscaster. Thus, Irada Zeynalova’s national identity has nothing to do with it. On the other hand, one should not make a national tragedy from the assessment voiced in this transmission. Yes, the official in the Kremlin, who is responsible for TV social and political broadcasts, had given instructions to make this allusion about us (you will not enter into the Customs Union until the Karabakh conflict is resolved) to please Azerbaijanis and to show us our place. Such “approaches” were made also by Lukashenko and Nazarbayev.
But obligating Armenia to enter the Customs Union, in this case, is the so-called last minute scoring a ‘reputation goal’ under the circumstance of failure with a big score. It is clear that losing by 1.5 is a little bit comforting than by 0.5. The problem must be seen in the general context of Russia’s politics, and campaigning where not only we, but all three South Caucasus Republics, plus Moldova, are less worrisome than Ukraine. The main reason for this, of course, is the greatness and geographic location of this country, as well as the fact that the Association Agreement with the EU will be signed in Vilnius, rather than initialing, like with the rest of the states.
The leadership of Russia continues to approach the world with “zero end game” logic, either you are mine, or my enemy, either Ukraine is my countryside, or a conflict border passes between Ukraine and me. Hence, this results in ‘unbridled’ (I can not find another word) campaign of Russian national TV channel against the neighboring country.
Ukraine is warned about how terrible life will be “provided” to it by Russia upon signing the Association Agreement. As one Russian newspaper joked, Ukrainians are explained that even their technologies of preparing lard do not meet the European standards and, therefore, the product will not be consumed. This campaign with its “verbiage” and “clumsiness” is comparable to the hysteria, which Armenian pro-government media, before and immediately after the 2008 elections, conducted against the opposition candidate. May be they are the same technologies?
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Of course, a part of Russian intimidations will become true. During the next 2-3 years, Ukrainians will have serious difficulties. It is possible that Russia will turn off its gas, thus revenging for geopolitical election of neighbors. There will also be other “sanctions”, about which the intimidations are constantly voiced by Russia. However, if people know what for they will suffer loses, if the nation has specific, clearly defined goals, it will come out from this ordeal with honor.
Aram Abrahamyan
