“Armenia proofs not to be an independent country, it depends on the Kremlin. I do not rule out that the reduction in funding is due to the fact of not having to deal with someone else’s marionette», – said in answer to the question of – Aravot.am, “Arena`s” Club President Levon Barseghyan in response to USA Ambassador Richard Mill`s announcement that the United States government decided to cut across the world, including European countries and Armenia the implementation of some projects. The ambassador announced it during the meeting with the Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan .Although Ambassador Richard Mills explained the reduction in the amounts of the various issues and assured that all this has nothing to do with the Armenian-American relations, but Mr. Barseghyan inquired what could actually cause such a decision, especially taking into account that several months ago the activities of the USA National Democratic Institute office in Armenia was stopped. Now is being discussed the matter of stopping the USA Agency for International Development (USAID) activities.
Though the issue was not analyzed in detail by Mr. Barseghyan but he mentioned that Armenia may not be considered a reliable partner for cooperation and does not inspire confidence. To our question whether the USA can so easily “wash their hands” and abandon Armenia, which is estimated to be an important platform for the region, Mr. Barseghyan said:
– “Armenia is totally immersed into the Vladimir Putin`s driver’s bosom, perhaps USA will continue some cooperation with our country through the Kremlin, USA isn`t forced to deal with us. Maybe there are other reasons, I cannot say.”
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An expert of “Political and International Studies” Ruben Mehrabyan has quite a different opinion. The expert believes that the United States is changing the method of work to assess the effectiveness of the work done so far”. The post-Soviet space, in fact, is the undemocratic largest area in the entire globe. In addition it became a source of instability with unclear prospects. Consequently, I have the impression that the United States has made a reassessment of the efficiency and hence more looking for effective ways to work with. If programs are being closed in our country, then I think there will be programs in other ways, other directions and w e will see the changes. Ruben Mehrabyan considers the Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian-Turkish reconciliation programs not effective. As the proof he points the ineffectiveness of the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Armenian-Turkish relations. “We see what kind of scandalous statements neighboring countries make and what hatred is set towards the Azerbaijan, even those who have partnered with the non-governmental organizations, or they just escaped from other countries. Therefore, the USA is trying to find more effective ways not to spend money useless. Mr. Mehrabyan mentions that judging by American officials; the US is not going to close the door in front of Armenia.
” The most important thing is this, the rest are tactical questions. ”
Lusine BUDAGHYAN
