“As we know, the new authorities in Armenia frequently speak about repatriation. Repatriation is a difficult issue. Therefore, the authorities in Armenia can use Israel as an example,” chair of the Armenia-Israel Public International Forum Dr. Alexander Tzinker told reporters at Sputnik Armenia.
According to him, Armenia has changed over the course of the past year. “I was here last summer. Now, I can see a difference in the faces of the people. I think they are more hopeful. Of course, there haven’t been many changes on many issues, but people’s moods have changed. It seems like Armenia has gained a place on the world map, and I’m not just saying that.”
He said that Armenia and Israel can collaborate on a number of very important issues. According to him, the opening of an Armenian embassy in Israel can mark the start of such collaborations. He also believes that the two countries can collaborate on foreign policy issues. “Israel has great relations with Russia and the United States. Despite the fact that the two countries are at odds with one another, Israel is able to maintain constructive and beneficial relations with them. Israel can help Armenia to establish balanced relations with both countries.”
Regarding the Armenian government’s decision to open an embassy in Israel, Tzinker said that it will not take place this year. “It is very difficult to open an embassy. It’s a financial issue, first of all. I doubt it will be open by spring. But, I have already found a place that might be suitable for the embassy.”
Regarding the possibility that Israel will open an embassy in Armenia, Alexander Tzinker said, “I hope that I’m wrong, but Israel is not planning to open an embassy in Armenia any time soon. The two countries need to have active economic relations and a large diaspora for that to happen. And, of course, there is the financial aspect too. But we don’t have a large diaspora or active economic collaborations.”
Tatev Harutyunyan
