To avoid what happened in the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, notes Olexander Bozhko, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Armenia
– Mr. Bozhko, first, we would like to know your assessment about the tense situation in the Crimea. In your opinion, what Moscow has planned, and whether the same strategy as in Georgia is exercised. There are rumors that Russian passports are distributed in the Crimea, and the local governments are stating that they do not accept the decisions of the new government of Ukraine. What consequences can this have in the context of the Ukrainian recent processes?
– What is happening in the Crimea, it is the attempt of pro-Russian extremist forces to artificially exacerbate the situation, taking the opportunity that now Ukraine is experiencing a period of transition and has obvious problems, especially in the country’s security sector. So far, I do not see Moscow’s open interference, however, I do not exclude the possibility of intensification of Russia’s special services in the Crimea. No doubt, the situation on the peninsula is pretty sharp, but manageable. I am confident that the new Ukrainian authorities eventually would be able to overcome this crisis.
– If we assess official Moscow’s policy towards former Soviet republics, we can say that Moscow is not refusing the former Soviet Union republics, moreover, it is presenting a new claim to strengthen its impact. In your opinion, what is expected to those countries that are trying to get rid of these effects?
– Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine are now unlikely to deviate from the path of European integration, overcoming all kinds of pressure from the Russian side. Other countries, in my opinion, should protect their national interests more fundamentally to avoid what happened in the case of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. I was then working in Armenia, our experts were came to Armenia, and meeting with your President, and I can say that the chosen option was not one of the best.
– How do you feel about the possibility of the establishment of the Customs Union? Is it an excuse to take the former Soviet Union countries under new umbrella, or it really can economically justify its viability?
– There is too much politics in the plan on establishment of the Customs Union, and other countries are justly concerned about it, especially Ukraine. And as to how it will work, time will tell. So far, I do not see any convincing results.
– Mr. Bozhko, can the Maidan fight turn into a fight for power between the leaders of the opposition, particularly the release of Yulia Tymoshenko. Can her return to active politics become a cause for new rearrangements?
– I do not rule out, however, I believe that after so many victims that we had, our society will not allow repeating the mistakes that the leaders of the Orange Revolution did.
Emma GABRIELYAN
Photo by Samvel Seyadyan
