Leader of the Democratic Party of Armenia, Aram Sargsyan, about Armenia-CU, Armenia-EU relations and Vladimir Putin’s visit to Armenia.
– A few days ago, Iran agreed with the great “six”, sanctions against Iran are mitigated, which, according to some analysts, means that Iran will become a serious competitor for Russia in the region. In this context, if we analyze the Sept. 3 statement, didn’t the President hurry?
– I do not share the view, because Iran’s problem was also regulated thanks to the very specific stance of China and Russia. In addition, Iran clearly realizes that the problem with the nuclear program is not resolved as of today, Iran has received a six-month term, during which it should be able to execute the set forth claims, the U.S. Senate has yet to consider the issue of sanctions and so on. However, Iran and Russia have always been main partners in the region and have always been considered a North -South strategic axis. The stance of the Democratic Party of Armenia is such that Armenia should be in the core. Now, this core can be more strengthened. I would view the problem as follows: Russia and China clearly realize that more stable the core is, more stability will be provided in the region.
In my assessment, in this reality, it is interesting to see how Turkey-Iran relations will develop. Here, they are really competitors in all issues: religion, religious characteristics, and geopolitical. Russia led such a policy that Turkey and Iran are seeking closer relations with it. Erdoğan’s recent statement regarding Turkey’s admission to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was the bright example of it, as Turkey does not cherish a hope to join the CU. In other words, major changes are happening in front of our eyes, but tectonic plates are still moving, and no one can still tell as to where and with what configuration they will stop. The only clear thing is that, apparently, the world accepts Russia’s role. Today, we can unequivocally say that the world became bipolar, USA-Europe, Russia-China-South Asian Sector. It became clear that in today’s world it is not possible to make a move without considering these interests. Now, everyone is talking about Russia’s pressures to its partners, but, let’s understand whether it is a pressure or protection of its interests. And, what, isn’t the other side doing the same?
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Still in 1997, I mentioned in an article that if we can really make North-South, Russia-Georgia-Armenia-Iran axis a core, if Georgia desires, we get a guarantee of stability and turning to not an opposite, but a self-sufficient unit, which should have to go for cooperation. When the RF and South Asian section were a little weak, NATO was expanding, the EU – with Association programs, and now it was clear that it is necessary to proceed though cooperation. Examples, Syria and Iran. Even the United States did not take into consideration Israel’s and Saudi Arabia’s positions, as it realized that such a hotbed of conflict could be created, which can become uncontrollable. The U.S. made a fairly balanced decision, and at this very moment, Barack Obama is singled out in the political arena as a rational decision-maker based on “real-politics.”
– How do you assess the anti-Putin complaints in Ukraine? In your assessment, what direction will eventually take Ukraine?
– I think the western stream created a pretty strange situation, forming an illusion that if we include the EU Association plan, we will enter the world of civilization. I want to remind you that Turkey is more than ten years in the EU Association plan, but the EU is not going to accept Turkey in its staff. Basically, I want to us to have a sober assessment to the processes, excluding the emotions. Ultimately, we want to build up a state, let’s leave our, Ukrain’s and Russia’s internal problems, it is clear by itself that it is a very special and serious problem, but if we think that we can solve our internal problems, if we proceed towards this-or-that vector, it will be the biggest mistake and an illusion. If this is the starting point, then an entirely different approach and analysis is required, if, simple, one says that this is good, the other says that is good, it is an amateur and amateurish approach, which, unfortunately, has covered us, Ukrainians, Moldovan, and partially, Georgians.
Why is EU against trilateral negotiations: EU-Ukraine-Russia? What is the meaning of accepting these countries in the Association plan, which will be the result? Let’s leave the rumors aside that the conduct or guide reforms. It has been 22 years since reforms are being implemented in Armenia, what was the output, do we have a better judicial system, developed economy, the best government system…? No. What are we carried away with? There are numerous questions.
As for Ukraine, the Prime Minister of the country had to disclose, which, by the way, was recently made Serbia, stating that looking at the requirements that are set forth, we realize what is going to happen to us.
Yanukovych, again, said that enterprises can be closed down under pressure, and so on. In other words, you’re not yet ready to make another move. If a country is so self-sufficient that can decide what and how to do, it is another matter. This is not a place for emotions, but a simple calculation. Ukraine will delay signing of the Association Agreement, and perhaps, meantime, it will see that at this moment it is more beneficial to be in the CU. But, let’s forget about Ukraine, let them solve their problems, we will solve ours. Let’s tell the people that today it is not the time to build up barricades and stand on different sides of it. Let’s sit down, talk, and understand what the interests of our country are, and proceed accordingly. Once, I have told my opponents that all three authorities of Armenia, during their tenure, pretty consistently, have handed the major part of the economy, 70-80 percent, over to the management of Russia. Respective work and investments were made. The entire defense system of Armenia is anchored on Russia’s and CSTO factor, now you say, “See you! Bye-bye!” They say from the other side, “Hey guys, and who will pay the bill?” Maybe, I simplifies too much, but this is the reality. And, when we were making the steps, weren’t you thinking, or you were working in a “ripping off” option. It is due to the very policy that we are unable to resolve the internal issues.
– Russia’s President’s upcoming visit has caused great excitement in our country; calls for anti-Putin protests are voiced. How do you look at it, and, in general, what political consequences will the visit have to Armenia?
– At this moment, Putin’s visit to Armenia is a major event, at least, insofar that the President of Russia, unlike in previous years, is much more popular in the world as one of the leading political figures, since his initiatives and proposals were fulfilled. It is of significant importance in great policy, whether you like it or not, you must take into consideration.
Given that there is a decision, and Armenia will rapidly become a CU member, in my opinion, this visit will result in specifying the programs. I think it would be right to focus the attention on the economic development of Armenia, since we do not have a specific problem with defense. So, it is no coincidence that a large group of entrepreneurs join Putin, and the third economic forum will be held. In fact, the first two forums were failed just because of the Armenian side. The Armenian side was not so consistent in implementing the programs obtained during the first forum regarding agricultural developments between the marzes of Armenia and the Russian provinces.
The government of Armenia is also committed to introduce small and medium enterprise development projects of all over Armenia. And when Putin declares about strengthening the air defense system with Armenia and Kazakhstan, we should understand that the matter is about perspective projects, for which the state system should also be strengthened. Now, we need to focus whole policy of preventing migration, moreover, providing immigration. Anyway, this is how I see the outcome of this visit. As to whether or not Armenia will become an attachment, it depends on us. No one will force it to become. I do not understand the calls for protests. If, let’s say, Obama comes, how would you accept him? What’s the difference? What does the American do that we want to love and respect him, but this man that has taken 70-80 percent of your economy over him, you do not want to respect? If you are not interested, if you are not venal, you are not given some grants to think so… if you are not as such, I would be glad to sit down and discuss the benefits of both programs.
For instance, it is not clear to me that the current administrative system, which was working for more than four years towards Armenia’s moving to Europe in every possible way, now has changed in 180 degrees, and must try to persuade everyone, assert and most importantly, they should be convinced work that the way to CU is the right way. That will not work. It is true that these people give up their jobs if they were sincere in their beliefs. It also generated from the interest of the state. I think that if the decision is not arbitrary, it shall be obligatory, because otherwise they will not understand us. Distrust, which is a very bad phenomenon, will reserve. We must have professionals engaged in lobbying of our country, as it seems to everyone that if they want to improve relations with Armenia, it is already good. The embassies, unfortunately, do not represent the interests of Armenia so far. This is also a serious problem.
Interviewed by Nelly Grigoryan
