Who are the friends of Armenia? These days, the question is viewed with all seriousness. The expression “We do not have friends” sounds too lofty but if any person or state actually has does not have any friends, he/it must look for the problem inside. Actually, friends must be sought and not necessarily only at the highest state level. Yes, it was proved that Russia is not our strategic partner as it is not possible to simultaneously be an ally to two countries if those countries are actually at war with each other. But this does not mean that we should not look for friends in Russia.
Let me give an example. In the 1990s, the majority of Russia’s State Duma consisted of the Communists; the Speaker of the State Duma was Communist Gennady Seleznyov, Russia’s Communist Party was a very influential political force. In the same period of time, the Communist Party of Armenia although not as influential but was an important opposition party led by a very decent and patriotic person – Sergey Badalyan. He had many political and ideological differences with the liberal reforms declared government but if necessary, using his political ties and was doing what was necessary to our country.
Russia indeed is not a democratic country, the lobbyism in a classical sense is not functioning here. But we should try establishing normal and partnering relationships with influential circles of this country at different levels. The attitude towards other states and nations should be the same. We seem to overlook our neighbors with whom we can have a very good relationship, we are talking about Georgia and Iran. Instead, we feel upset even when there is no reason to be upset. For example, when the Georgian MoD said that the cooperation between our two countries is not strategic, there is nothing offensive here. Importantly that this cooperation exists and develops.
I am confident that the significant part of our potential friends is in Europe. But this requires stating certain values distinctly. One of the founders of modern Israel, Shimon Peres, wrote back in 1960, the terms “Middle East” was a Western invention. We geographically are not closer to Saudi Arabia or Iraq than to Italy or Greece. We must detach Israel from the Middle East connotation and place it in its natural European connotation.”
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Aram ABRAHAMYAN
