Expert on Russia's interests in Armenia
14:41 - 07.03.12
The political scientist Stepan Grigoryan does not think that the
parliamentary elections in Armenia may be of great interest to Russia.
`The presidential election is much more important for Russia. They
will not be actively involved in the process - they are well aware
that whoever is elected will actively cooperate with Russia,' the
expert said.
Grigoryan also spoke of changes in Russian society's attitude to Vladimir Putin.
He pointed out three reasons for discontent with Vladimir Putin,
which, however, did not exist when he was elected Russian president
for the first time.
First, in 2000 society needed a stable state, which was Vladimir
Putin's election slogan. Now, however, Russia is a full-fledged state.
Secondly, gas and oil prices showed a steep rise after Vladimir Putin
was elected Russian president. Thirdly, society was not so active and
developed as now.
Much higher-level corruption has been registered in Russia, and
society is waiting for political and administrative reforms.
`Russian society is more active now and is actually raising the
problem of legitimacy. Election rigging did not arouse such serious
discontent in the past,' Grigoryan said.
The expert also tried to forecast post-election developments in
Russia. According to him, Putin will try to restrict the opposition's
rights. With respect to domestic policy, anti-US propaganda will
intensify in that country. Russia will also increase its pressure on
the post-Soviet states thereby showing this is an area of its
interests.
Tert.am
From: Baghdasarian
14:41 - 07.03.12
The political scientist Stepan Grigoryan does not think that the
parliamentary elections in Armenia may be of great interest to Russia.
`The presidential election is much more important for Russia. They
will not be actively involved in the process - they are well aware
that whoever is elected will actively cooperate with Russia,' the
expert said.
Grigoryan also spoke of changes in Russian society's attitude to Vladimir Putin.
He pointed out three reasons for discontent with Vladimir Putin,
which, however, did not exist when he was elected Russian president
for the first time.
First, in 2000 society needed a stable state, which was Vladimir
Putin's election slogan. Now, however, Russia is a full-fledged state.
Secondly, gas and oil prices showed a steep rise after Vladimir Putin
was elected Russian president. Thirdly, society was not so active and
developed as now.
Much higher-level corruption has been registered in Russia, and
society is waiting for political and administrative reforms.
`Russian society is more active now and is actually raising the
problem of legitimacy. Election rigging did not arouse such serious
discontent in the past,' Grigoryan said.
The expert also tried to forecast post-election developments in
Russia. According to him, Putin will try to restrict the opposition's
rights. With respect to domestic policy, anti-US propaganda will
intensify in that country. Russia will also increase its pressure on
the post-Soviet states thereby showing this is an area of its
interests.
Tert.am
From: Baghdasarian