“If there be direct flights between Armenia and the Crimea, it will definitely be negatively perceived by the international community, which tries to do everything to isolate the Crimea with all possible ways”, such opinion was expressed by political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan, in response to the question of Aravot.am of what political consequences can the restoration of air connection between Armenia and Crimea lead to. According to him, it’s more a matter of perception, especially for the international community, which is trying to possibly keep the Crimea away from recognition and to isolate it.
Note that Spokesman for the government-affiliated Head Department of Civil Aviation (HDCA) Ruben Grdzelyan informed that “Grozny Avia” company is allowed to conduct flights to Anapa and Kazan cities of Russia, and as to what direction the company’s flight will be performed from there, it’s not Armenia’s problem.”
The political scientist assured that “at the moment, there are no flights between Armenia and Crimea, but there are some bypassing options that are done through Russia.” Mr. Melik-Shahnazaryan notes that Russia has nothing to feat on this issue as “what sanctions are possible are applied against it.” However, it fears that Armenia would move in line with the policy of “open skies”. In this regard, he detailed, “I am not sure that Armenia would make such a decision at the state level. Armenia operated the policy of “open skies”, and I do not exclude that in the future, some Russian airline companies would perform such flights. Legally, there is no problem, there is a perception problem that can be overcome.”
Suspecting whether Armenia can benefit from the restoration of direct connection, the political scientist reminded, “Armenia has alternative options to the Crimea through Russia, which are pretty cheap,” and “there is still no necessity for the direct air connection between Armenia and Crimea.” In case of restoration of the direct air connection, is it possible for the West, let’s say, impose sanctions against Armenia, Mr. Melik-Shahnazaryan thinks it unlikely and concludes, “I do not think that sanctions could be applied against Armenia because of the airlines. I still exclude all of this, the problem is with the relations between Russia and the West, but not Armenia. I do not think that if the flights be, Armenia would suffer from it. The may remind something somewhere, but yet no sanctions will be applied against Armenia.”
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Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
