Will there be a “restart” in the Russian-American relations?
The tense and spiced with black PR American presidential campaign is a history. During the last week, the US presidential elections became a reason for various interpretations and forecasts. First of all, it is worth mentioning that this was the decision of the American society, the US once again proved to be the cradle of democracy, the electoral system inspires such a confidence that the losing candidate is respectfully calling and accepts her defeat by congratulating the winning candidate. Consequently, the US once again celebrated its 240-year solid democratic tradition of electing a president of the country by its people.
Trump will definitely be the president of all Americans as he mentioned just a few hours later after the announcement of the results of the elections, stating that he has come to heal the wounds caused by his checkered past. During the campaign, Trump has promised to ease or lift the sanctions against Russia, even to recognize the annexation of the Crimea by Russia. Trump even announced that Putin is a “strong leader.”
However, many people do not remember the same Trump reacting to Russia’s actions in Syria had said that it is necessary to hit Russian aircrafts. Will Trump agree to give great influence in the post-Soviet territory, and do we expect a thaw in the US-Russian relations in the future? Many people are concerned about this question. But are the Russia-US relations deteriorated because or due to the fault of the United States, and now, Trump should regulate them? What were the US and Russian Presidents, Obama and Medvedev, respectively, doing in Washington in June 2010, almost 2 years after the Russian-Georgian war in 2008? After the official meeting in the White House, they were eating hamburgers together and drinking Coca-Cola at the Ray’s Hell Burger café where the customers were welcoming the presidents with shouts and applauses.
Read also
The photos of Obama and Medvedev on these days were on the websites of the world media and on the cover page of the newspapers for days, weeks and even months. At that time, no one would have ever believed that Putin’s return and the policy towards the post-Soviet countries will lead to the escalation of the Russian-American relations. The Russian-American relations will not be mitigated by Trump’s unilateral initiative no matter he announces that he is going to be fair in the correlations with all countries. Putin’s steps must also promote to smooth these relations. Even if a warming or “constructiveness” is observed in the Trump-Putin relationship, it will not grant Putin the “freedom” that he wants to have.
Trump should receive necessary “messages” from Armenia
When celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Armenian-American diplomatic relations this year, we can state that all US administrations have led the relations with Armenia by the development course, and the established relationship will continue to remain strong during the Trump’s tenure. The US will continue to remain a stable partner and friend for Armenia. Since the establishment of independence, the US is Armenia’s major supporter over 25 years.
The projects of the US International Development (USAID) have turned from purely humanitarian assistance to projects promoting a long-run economic development, stable social policies and democratic reforms. Overall, since 1991, the assistance provided to Armenia USAID amounts to 2.18 billion US dollars. In addition, since 1998, the USAID has provided a humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. However, all this does not mean that the RA authorities and the US lobbying organizations should not work with the Republicans and Trump’s new administration. Not only to preserve what we have but to implement consistent work for deepening the Armenian-American relations for the benefit of Armenia and Artsakh.
The US attaches importance to the role of Armenia in the region and it should already the required response “messages” from Armenia. More importantly to preserve official Washington’s posture on Karabakh conflict by exerting efforts for the recognition of Artsakh internationally. Being a member of EaEU and CSTO, Armenia’s authorities should do more to make them understandable, and hold sway over the belief that Armenia truly pursues a balanced foreign policy in practice rather than with assurances and statements. As for Aliyev’s expectations from the newly elected USA, then immediately specific expectations became remarkable here … Relying on dedicating the majority of Aliyev’s congratulatory message addressed to Trump on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and complaining of Armenia, it is already clear what expectations he has from the new American administration.
Aliyev’s “smart” is completely understandable as Obama’s administration was definitely not “the best” for Aliyev. During Obama’s administration, the US-Azerbaijan relations significantly complicated, and the politics of the official Washington on Karabakh conflict is considers a pro-Armenian by Azerbaijan. Suffice to recall Aliyev’s recent complaint-confession that he is “demanded to recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh” at the backstage, it would be easy to understand why Aliyev is so nervous. Apparently, Aliyev was expecting a pro-Azerbaijani stance from Trump regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, such a support that he failed to receive from Obama’s Administration.
EMMA GABRIELYAN
