Russia decided to allow citizens of Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to work as drivers with driving licenses of their countries in its state, but it does not include Armenian citizens. The explanation is quite interesting: in these countries Russian is the second state language, but in Armenia it does not have such status. Apparently, the state status of the Russian language improves the professional skills of drivers, and they no longer need to take a driving test in Russia. Or citizens of those countries have a better command of the Russian language, than we, Armenians do. In short, they tell us: change your Constitution, make the Russian language a state language, and your drivers will be able to work in our country.
The term, of course, to put it mildly, is original. But I am not going to discuss the Russian policy here long: if it is advantageous for them, let them do so. It is not profitable for us to change our Constitution, as well as to write Armenian in Cyrillic script. But I puzzle over the emotional response of our society: so how can they be an ally? they humiliated us, ignored us, another slap in our face, etc. To be honest, in this context, it seems to me the opposite: since we have been separated in that way, it speaks about our uniqueness. Making catastrophic evaluations on every occasion is specific to our public. Looks like it’s the time to be more emotionless and practical.
Do our drivers face inconveniences? Armenian authorities should negotiate to overcome these problems. Can’t they negotiate? Is their opinion ignored? We should report: our official has turned to their official and has received the following reply… But we shouldn’t mourn and tear our hair out.
Do we benefit from the Eurasian Economic Union? I think we don’t. In any case, Russia does its best to ensure that the declared objectives of that union (for example, free movement of people and a common labour market) are not realized. Integration, cooperation, therefore, are not in Russia’s interests. But if that’s the case, that country will sooner or later refuse that project. What’s the point of having a huge Eurasian Economic Union’s administration for some imperial “fun”?
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
