RIA Novosti, Russia
June 24 2005

THE CIS AND BALTIC PRESS ON RUSSIA

ARMENIA

Statements on the need to develop the Euroatlantic vector of
integration are complemented with the idea of maintaining the
pro-Russian vector in Armenia’s policy. “We have wonderful relations
with Russia and good relations with individual NATO states, and these
relations are not confronted to each other. On the country, this
helps create security guarantees” for Armenia. (Hayastani
Hanrapetutyun, June 16.)

But Western experts point out that Armenia can become independent
only by curtailing Russian presence in its policy and economy.
“Armenia has accepted the pro-Russian model of political
development… Russia is strengthening its presence in Armenia, in
particular in the energy sphere… This is extremely dangerous for
Armenia… We should find a balance where Armenia would not be
pro-Russian or pro-American but would have its own view of the
situation… The programs of the European Union might help find such
a balance between Russia and the U.S.” (Aikakan Zhamanak, June 18.)

The withdrawal of part of property of the Russian military bases from
Georgia to Armenia is a lively discussed issue. “The Armenian
authorities are making another unwise and dangerous step. They are
trying to counteract the disruption of the political and economic
balance by creating a military imbalance in the South Caucasus by
moving Russian military hardware from Georgia to Armenia.” (Novoye
Vremya, June 16.)