ARMENIA MAYBE OF LESS IMPORTANCE FOR RUSSIA, A RUSSIAN ANALYST SAYS

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17. ARMINFO. In return for Russia’s support, Armenian
President Robert Kocharyan expresses readiness to further favor the
strengthening of Russian economic presence in Armenia, writes Gennadiy
Sisoyev in his article in the Russian newspaper “Kommersant.”

In his words, in the establishment of relations with Yerevan, Russia
actively used the interest of President Robert Kocharyan in the
political support of Moscow in connection with activation of the
Armenian opposition after “rose revolution” in Georgia. The author
writes that in the course of implementation of the bilateral agreement
“Property for Debt,” the main part of power capacities of Armenia were
transferred under control of Russia (80% of energy generation in
Armenia). The Armenian monopolist in the sphere of gas, “ArmRosgasprom,”
is also controlled by Russian structures. And finally, the author
writes, full packages of shares of a number of enterprises of the
defense complex of Armenia have been transferred to Russia. Armenia’s
importance as a major strategic partner of Russia in the Transcaucasus
may considerably decrease if Moscow fails to maintain its influence on
Georgia, the analyst says.

He said that although the relations between Moscow and the new
authorities of Georgia overcame the phase of tension at the end of
2004, they are still unsatisfactory. As regards the relations with
Azerbaijan, the author says that the Kremlin is concerned that Aliyev
Jr. may correct the balanced policy of his father in direction of
closer cooperation with the West in order that Azerbaijan receives the
role of the regional leader. The author says that official Moscow is
dissatisfied that Baku avoids conclusion of a long-term agreement with
Russia on oil transit to supply the whole Caspian oil through the
pipeline BTC via Georgia and Turkey. Besides, Moscow is concerned over
lack of process in the sphere of military and technical cooperation
with Baku and suspects the new authorities of Azerbaijan in the secret
intention to change over to western standards of armament.