Stepan Danielyan about the Armenian-Georgian relations
Finding edges of cooperation with the neighboring countries is very essential for Armenia’s foreign policy, but given that no relationship turns out to be established with two of them, always an opinion is circulated that edges of cooperation need to be sought with other neighbors – Iran and Georgia. Relations with the latter at times receive different shades: at times we are neighbors in partnership, and at times, quite often, we are states in a conflict of interests with each other.
As to what extent the development of relations between Georgia and Armenia is important, what level they are in now, and who especially benefits from the betterment of the relations, “Aravot” talked on these matters with Chairman of “Cooperation for Democracy” NGO, Stepan Danielyan. “It is clear how Georgia is vitally important for us in terms of communications. And if you ask an ordinary citizen of Armenia as to why Georgia needs Armenia, the answer would not be equivocal, especially given their complex problems with Russia and vice versa, the close military cooperation between Russia and Armenia, which, naturally, is not well accepted in Georgia. However, in my opinion, Armenia is similarly important for Georgia if not critically important. Let’s put the economic dividends aside, which Georgia received from Armenia. There is also an important geopolitical significance, which can be critically important for in Georgia. Firstly, Georgia is in a hostile relationship with Russia, also with South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It is in a complex relationship with Azerbaijan and Turkey. It is clear that Armenia not only takes the role of a wedge for the Turkic world, but also Georgia, despite the fact that currently, on the contrary, it is a linking tie,” says Mr. Danielyan, noting that Azerbaijan and Turkey are conducting a policy to make Georgia’s dependence irreversible.
“At this moment, Georgia is trying to balance Russia’s and Turkey-Azerbaijan’s impacts and receive dividends from it. In other words, Georgia is well aware that excessive dependence on Turkey and Azerbaijan can become a security problem for them. Especially, it is necessary to consider also Georgia’s dangerous demographic situation: the growth of Muslims and emigration of Georgians. In this respect, Armenia is an important rear for Georgia. Importantly also the Islamic fundamentalism, which also can become a very serious threat. Armenia is the only country in the world where there is Muslim population. This is also a key factor,” says Mr. Danielyan.
Read also
Speaking about possible cooperation between Georgia and Armenia on energy industry, our interlocutor noted, “Much is talked about energy now, but I think that the issue of military security in the region is becoming increasingly important, especially when the major danger in the countries of the region lacks classical foreign intimidations. The intimidations are coming from inside the countries, in the form of Islamic fundamentalism. The danger is of the armed groupings, which do not represent a specific country. As for the Russia-Iran-Georgia possible cooperation in the field of energy, then the recent statement made by Iran might be interesting that they are willing to cooperate with Russia in the gas industry. Iran is a country, which is capable to oust Russia from the European market in the gas industry. I think the security issue is more important for Iran, and here, they want to cooperate rather than oppose Russia. The Iranians had offered 4 gas export options, one of which, as I understand, is building a gas pipeline via Armenia and Georgia to the Black Sea. Apparently, they are suggesting a Russian involvement. This is just one of the options. As to what extent they would be acceptable for the West, it is a topic of another discussion,” says Mr. Danielyan.
Hripsime HOVHANNISYAN
“Aravot” daily
