The community had not yet managed to forget about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s chief propagandist, CEO of «Россия сегодня» (Rossiya Segodnya), Dmitry Kiselyov’s voiced threats and ridicule, now it is the turn of the former Ambassador of Russia to Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko. A day before, during the Moscow-Yerevan video bridge at the “Novosti” media center, Vyacheslav Kovalenko announced, if Armenia does not orient correctly, meaning the Eurasian Economic Union, then it would lose not only its state, but also would stand on the verge of extinction as a nation as the result of successful initiative of barbaric Americans and Europeans. He added that the Armenian nation exists only because it has displayed correct orientation at the most crucial moments, shooting a glance at Russia.”
Alexander Iskandaryan
In the political and diplomatic field, it is known that the former ambassador to Armenia ranks his honorable place among those uttering threats to Armenia. Alexander Iskandaryan
In this regard, “Aravot” talked to the Director of “Caucasus” institute, also political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan. Note also that Mr. Iskandaryan was also present in the vide-bridge, during which the former ambassador Kovalenko had allowed himself to make a statement with such a content. Mr. Iskandaryan is sure that Kolavenko’s statement is not Russia’s official viewpoint. The political scientist added, “Kovalenko is not more an official figure, he is no more an ambassador.”
Alexander Iskandaryan believes that we are dealing with diametrically opposite situation: not Armenia is facing the choice, but the choice is made in the Customs Union. Mr. Iskandaryan reminded that still on July 1, the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, announced that the document of the Armenian side is ready, Armenia is ready to sign it. Then, he added, “The choice that is made today is made within the Customs Union rather than in Armenia. If Kazakhstan signs the document on October 10, no problem would arise with Armenia.”
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In fact, was the former ambassador’s speech in Armenia misperceived? With this regard, Alexander Iskandaryan responded, “People understand as they understand. I say what I understand.”
Generally, is it appropriate for the ex-diplomat to make a statement with such a content? Mr. Iskandaryan said, “Kovalenko participated in the discussion and expressed his opinion, and the opinions can vary. They may and may not agree with them. For example, I have reversed and still do it.”
It is not yet clear what is expected on October 10. However, will Armenia sign any document, or the process will be protracted again and which of the two options is more advantages for Armenia? Alexander Iskandaryan replied, “There is no such a choice at all. Armenia has already made its choice, and it does not matter whether the signing will occur this year or next year, on October or December.”
But one observation. He refrained from answering the question on reviewing the customs duties for a number of commodities, and in the end, it was not clear whether the Karabakh issue has been totally removed from the agenda or not. Meanwhile, Mr. Iskandaryan assures that there is no problem associated with these issues, “technical matters are determined, the format, as well.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
