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Fundamentally, Armenia may be pro-Russian but it does not mean that it
may be pro-Putin, Richard Giragosian says
by Emmanuil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Sunday, November 23, 09:53
It is very important to understand that Armenia is not yet a garrison
state of Russia, Richard Giragosian, Director of the Regional Studies
Center, said at the Second South Caucasus Security Forum in Tbilisi.
He believes that fundamentally Armenia may be pro- Russian, but that
no longer means that it may be pro-Putin. According to Giragosian, the
danger for Armenia may be one more isolation and insignificance.
"Armenia may be trapped behind a new iron curtain Putin wants to
erect", he said.
In his speech mostly aimed at criticizing the Russian policy and the
Eurasian choice, the expert ironically pointed out that Russia "is
good at losing friends and allies and making enemies". In the contacts
with Armenia, "Putin takes Armenia too much for granted". At the same
time, the backlash in Armenia is based on the fact that the Russian
policy is undermining the sovereignty and independence of Armenia, he
said.
When speaking of the ideas and ideals of the European Union and
Russia, Giragosian pointed out that no one has yet defined the Russian
ideal. Corruption is hardly to attract anyone, he said. He recalled
the more- for-more principle of the EU and suggested a less-for-less
principle, i.e. the price to pay for the opportunities.
Giragosian stressed that many in Armenia want to leave the country
because of the economic crisis and lack of democracy. The country has
begun a political transition. However, the fact that Armenia gave up
the European direction may result in deformation of the reforms.
In the meantime, the expert emphasized Armenia's significant
achievements in the security sector reforms. He stressed the "Western
style" in the reforms, pointing out Armenia's contribution to the
peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. This should be
empowered, encouraged and inspired, he said. Giragosian also pointed
out some positive trends in Armenian-Turkish normalization, which can
geopolitically "shake up the map" in the positive sense. This is the
trend that leads to more stability and security in the region.
As regards the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the expert said that after
accession to the Eurasian Economic Union Armenia has become more
undefended and both countries' presidents have become hostages of
their own policies. Neither of the sides can afford a large-scale
conflict but they are making short-term destructive movements. In this
context, the only beneficiary is Russia, Giragosian stressed.
may be pro-Putin, Richard Giragosian says
by Emmanuil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Sunday, November 23, 09:53
It is very important to understand that Armenia is not yet a garrison
state of Russia, Richard Giragosian, Director of the Regional Studies
Center, said at the Second South Caucasus Security Forum in Tbilisi.
He believes that fundamentally Armenia may be pro- Russian, but that
no longer means that it may be pro-Putin. According to Giragosian, the
danger for Armenia may be one more isolation and insignificance.
"Armenia may be trapped behind a new iron curtain Putin wants to
erect", he said.
In his speech mostly aimed at criticizing the Russian policy and the
Eurasian choice, the expert ironically pointed out that Russia "is
good at losing friends and allies and making enemies". In the contacts
with Armenia, "Putin takes Armenia too much for granted". At the same
time, the backlash in Armenia is based on the fact that the Russian
policy is undermining the sovereignty and independence of Armenia, he
said.
When speaking of the ideas and ideals of the European Union and
Russia, Giragosian pointed out that no one has yet defined the Russian
ideal. Corruption is hardly to attract anyone, he said. He recalled
the more- for-more principle of the EU and suggested a less-for-less
principle, i.e. the price to pay for the opportunities.
Giragosian stressed that many in Armenia want to leave the country
because of the economic crisis and lack of democracy. The country has
begun a political transition. However, the fact that Armenia gave up
the European direction may result in deformation of the reforms.
In the meantime, the expert emphasized Armenia's significant
achievements in the security sector reforms. He stressed the "Western
style" in the reforms, pointing out Armenia's contribution to the
peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. This should be
empowered, encouraged and inspired, he said. Giragosian also pointed
out some positive trends in Armenian-Turkish normalization, which can
geopolitically "shake up the map" in the positive sense. This is the
trend that leads to more stability and security in the region.
As regards the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the expert said that after
accession to the Eurasian Economic Union Armenia has become more
undefended and both countries' presidents have become hostages of
their own policies. Neither of the sides can afford a large-scale
conflict but they are making short-term destructive movements. In this
context, the only beneficiary is Russia, Giragosian stressed.