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ANATOLY TORKUNOV: ARMENIA IS HOSTAGE AND KEY TO THE INSTABILITY IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS AT THE SAME TIME
Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
July 22 2013
22 July 2013 - 4:15pm
Rector of MGIMO Anatoly Torkunov took part this weekend in an online
conference "Armenia's geopolitical role in the system of international
relations", organized by the Union of Political Scientists of Armenia.
In his speech Torkunov stressed that Armenia now is both hostage
and the key to the resolution toyy the "frozen" instability in the
South Caucasus.
Most of his speech was devoted to the relations of Armenia with
the European Union and the future Eurasian Union. In particular, he
stressed that it is impossible to sign an association agreement with
the EU in the framework of the "Eastern Partnership" without taking
into account the complex relations with Armenia's northern neighbors,
primarily Russia. The country's commitment to the diversification of
the economic and political contacts with the European institutions
and the Euro-Atlantic alliance is welcome, but Torkunov noted that
they should be part of a general discussion of foreign policy in
which the participation of Russia, at least, is appropriate.
In order to strengthen its cooperation with Russia, Armenia could
take part in Russia's integration structures. "This will require a
new economic thinking, new mutual links with neighbors, including
multilateral economic negotiations with the countries of the Customs
Union," the rector said. It is important not to forget that the
political elites in the country and the population may differ in
their preferences.
It is important to note, Torkunov said, that Moscow has not changed
its strategic course towards Yerevan, as it might have seemed in
light of recent information about large-scale deliveries of Russian
weapons to Azerbaijan. "There is a Russian military base in Armenia,
which in itself is proof of the strategic cooperation between the two
countries. As for Azerbaijan, if this country had not bought weapons
from Russia, then certainly it could get them from another country,"
the Rector of MGIMO underlined.
From: A. Papazian
Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
July 22 2013
22 July 2013 - 4:15pm
Rector of MGIMO Anatoly Torkunov took part this weekend in an online
conference "Armenia's geopolitical role in the system of international
relations", organized by the Union of Political Scientists of Armenia.
In his speech Torkunov stressed that Armenia now is both hostage
and the key to the resolution toyy the "frozen" instability in the
South Caucasus.
Most of his speech was devoted to the relations of Armenia with
the European Union and the future Eurasian Union. In particular, he
stressed that it is impossible to sign an association agreement with
the EU in the framework of the "Eastern Partnership" without taking
into account the complex relations with Armenia's northern neighbors,
primarily Russia. The country's commitment to the diversification of
the economic and political contacts with the European institutions
and the Euro-Atlantic alliance is welcome, but Torkunov noted that
they should be part of a general discussion of foreign policy in
which the participation of Russia, at least, is appropriate.
In order to strengthen its cooperation with Russia, Armenia could
take part in Russia's integration structures. "This will require a
new economic thinking, new mutual links with neighbors, including
multilateral economic negotiations with the countries of the Customs
Union," the rector said. It is important not to forget that the
political elites in the country and the population may differ in
their preferences.
It is important to note, Torkunov said, that Moscow has not changed
its strategic course towards Yerevan, as it might have seemed in
light of recent information about large-scale deliveries of Russian
weapons to Azerbaijan. "There is a Russian military base in Armenia,
which in itself is proof of the strategic cooperation between the two
countries. As for Azerbaijan, if this country had not bought weapons
from Russia, then certainly it could get them from another country,"
the Rector of MGIMO underlined.
From: A. Papazian