The events in Ukraine are creating a new geopolitical situation. In this context, one of the most important topics for discussion is the issue of recognizing legitimacy of Ukraine’s new authorities. The analysts’ opinions match on the issue that Russia will not recognize the legitimacy of the new government of Ukraine. Another question is how the authorities of Armenia would display them in this situation.
Stepan Grigoryan, Director of Analytical Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation thinks that “Armenian authorities should accept the legitimacy of the new authorities of Ukraine, and a delegation from RA National Assembly should to go to the Supreme Rada”. To the question of Aravot.am of whether it is appropriate for the Armenian authorities to recognize the legitimacy of the new government of Ukraine, ACGRC Director Richard Kirakosyan, agreeing with Stepan Grigoryan’s opinion, said, “There is one head of the government in the world who questions the legitimacy of the new government of Ukraine. It is the Prime Minister of Russia. However, I think that the Armenian authorities will follow the logic, and recognize Ukraine’s new government. I must also say that I was confused when I read Galust Sahakyan’s recent statements, who once again demonstrated his political insignificance. The Parliament was very deceptive. The move that our Parliament pays tribute to the memory of the victims of Ukraine was good, however, it was to be done not with regard to denial of March 1 exactness in Armenia.”
Referring to the prospect of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union, Mr. Kirakosyan said, “I think what happened further weakened Armenia’s prospects to appear in this Union. It means we should respect the people in Ukraine who came out to the streets and defended their independence and sovereignty.” In the conversation with Aravot.am, the political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan argued the opposite, saying that he does not think that something is weakening or changing in the matter of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union. Later he added, “Ukraine is not constitute a part of the Customs Union, nor any emphasis was made on Ukraine in the process of formation of the Customs Union. Armenia had chosen this way not for Ukraine or Kazakhstan rather than building economic and political components with Russia. So, I do not think that for Armenia there is a weakening of motivation. This is more of Russia task than Armenia.” With regard to the observations of recognizing the legitimacy of the government of Ukraine, Mr. Melik-Shahnazaryan said, “Whoever the Ukrainian authorities are, Armenia needs to build possibly good relationship with them. The revolution is not over yet, so, to clearly say who is in power and who is not, at this stage it is too early.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
