I do not know, maybe some people would call me a “Cheka officer” or an “agent of Russian imperialism”, but I would not like Armenia ever become an EU member. As to why I think so, it should take long to explain, I will just say that the matter is not Russia’s jealousy and anger, I will write about it next time. Certainly, it was necessary to sign the EU Association Agreement in 2013, which in spite of the overwhelming majority of public opinion has nothing to do with the EU membership. Not necessarily to become a member of the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, the political and economic losses of these moves are obvious, and it is clear that the EaEU has no prospects, it is the product of ambitions not thought about by Russian leadership.
I equally respect the European and Russian culture and I believe that they are one unity, which also includes our national culture. In Europe, the management of political and economic life is at a much higher level than in Russia, and we have much to learn from the West. The European Union as a structure is worthy of the greatest respect, we must respect its flag just as the US, Russia’s, China’s and even (I know that many of you will not agree) Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s flags. My opinion is strongly negative about burning any flag or trampling it.
It’s another question as to why during our political, public or civic events we have to hold any flag in our hands other than the tri-color flag. Does this mean that we support any country or any structure that it will help us to solve our problems? We, the Armenians, have made this fundamental mistake over the centuries, and it seemed that these complexes were overcome during the Movement of 1988-1990, but because of the war of 1992-1994, we seemed to have been giving up these principles and have returned to the beaten path of “orientation”.
What should the EU do at this point? To reduce the electricity tariffs? To establish democracy in Armenia? Carry out a change of government? Even if it does, then all of this will not cost a penny. It is approximately the same as some people ask Russia in the style of the well-known writer and publicist that it should liberate the Western Armenia. Well, even if it liberates, will it do it for us? It will do it for itself. Hence, what is the difference under whose possession our lands are if they are not under our possession?
Consequently, the respected person by me, Paruyr Hayrikyan, in my opinion, is wrong for going to the protestors with the EU flag. Some of the protestors were wrong for displaying improper respect towards this politician and dragging the flags. As the police said, they had to conduct an explanatory work.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
