DOES RUSSIA NEED A STRONG ARMENIA?
RIA Novosti, Russia
Oct 5 2006
MOSCOW, (Armen Darbinyan, rector of Russian-Armenian University and
member of the RIA Novosti Expert Council) – There is no doubt that
Armenia needs Russia to be strong. But does Russia need a strong
Armenia? This is not a rhetorical question.
It is believed that the countries of Commonwealth of Independent
States have been drawn into the zone of Russia’s influence as its
satellites. But if our goal is strategic partnership, Russia should
revise its relations with the former Soviet states, also because the
world offers us other options, including geostrategic ones.
The European Union and the United States are working hard to
demonstrate their possibilities to Armenia, trying to become a dominant
force there and in the whole of Caucasus.
Therefore, there are alternative forms of cooperation. But why start
from scratch when we have a long and positive history of spiritual
unity? Armenia is a multinational republic, but it is unique with
regard to Russia in that every Armenian is wholeheartedly devoted
to Russia. I have seen this attitude only in one other country,
Montenegro. However, this situation is not unchangeable, because both
sides have to work for strategic partnership.
It would be wrong to see Armenia as a political space and a zone of
Russian influence that will never look at other possibilities. A new
generation of young people in Armenia is now choosing what language
they should study to build a better life for themselves. And Armenian
businessmen are thinking with whom they can do better business.
Unfortunately, Russian-Armenian strategic partnership is mostly
limited to mutual visits by ministers and government officials that
usually take place in a friendly atmosphere. But maybe we have had
enough of them? Maybe we should encourage mutual visits by doctors,
teachers and young people?
I’m afraid the situation is almost the same in other former Soviet
countries.
Our sovereignty implies not only the freedom to choose, but also
the freedom to look for the real benefits of political or economic
integration. Armenia is not eager to join the common customs space
because it does not border on the EurAsEC countries, and becoming a
pro forma member, a name on the letterhead, would be unwise.
Armenia’s membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO) has not benefited it either, especially in view of confrontation
with Azerbaijan in the disputed region, Nagorny Karabakh.
Armenia is a CSTO member, but Azerbaijan is not. However, Kazakhstan,
which is also a member of the CSTO, sometimes voted for anti-Armenian
and pro-Azerbaijani UN resolutions.
The CSTO in its present form may suit Asian states because they face
threats from Afghanistan and the risk of extremist attacks, and so
can benefit from collective security measures.
The Caucasus today is not a zone of common interests. With the
exception of the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, there is no regional
cooperation to speak of. The Caucasian countries have different
perspectives of the future, and the main goal of their politicians
is to present their country in the best light in international
organizations. But we are expected to present common concepts and a
shared development vision. The international community is disappointed
every time our politicians put forth different approaches and clashing
interests.
No one needs Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan taken separately, because
each of them has a very small market and no transit capabilities. So
the Americans are right in saying that the Caucasus does not exist
as a political entity.
Russia has not indicated so far that it needs the South Caucasus as a
single whole. In my view, this is a losing stand for Russia, because
the regional countries may choose to drift towards an alternative
partner.
There are many reasons for the failure of the political project
called the CIS. At the same time, it offers a good chance to use the
humanitarian unity of our countries and nations. The new independent
states no longer see Russia as "the big brother", although it should
definitely be the main player in this project.
We have been idling for too long, and we have probably lost a whole
generation that has not learned to speak Russian fluently. We must
not allow the area of the Russian language to be curtailed. We must
think seriously about finding proper employment for the graduates of
Russian-Armenian University, including such where they would have to
speak and write in Russian. We need strategic business projects that
Russian corporations would implement in our countries. The process
has begun, but we are not satisfied with its progress.
As soon as business starts speaking Russian, the demand for bright
and qualified specialists who know Russian will grow. It should be
more rewarding to learn Russian than English or French.
Thanks to Russian-Armenian University, many traditionally
Russian-speaking families and the Armenian intellectual class
have become convinced of the benefits offered by a Russian higher
education. The Armenian Diaspora in Russia is closely watching our
progress, and its members send their children here. They receive
Russian degrees and hence will be able to live and work in Russia
or Armenia, depending on their choice. This is expanding the area
of the Russian language, mentality and culture, and will eventually
strengthen Russian influence.
In my view, such important projects as the Year of Armenia in Russia or
of Russia in Armenia should be used to encourage long-term cultural,
humanitarian and research cooperation. It’s been a long time since
Armenian and Russian economists, sociologists and physicists worked on
a joint project. There is no information about achievements in Russia
or Armenia, without which no development is possible in professional
spheres.
The terms "competitive country" and "competitive society" are
fashionable in Russia now. How can one win in a competition?
Azerbaijan has a strong argument – oil. Armenia’s argument should be
the minds of its people. The younger generation needs a good education,
and Russian professors can help them receive it.
I am convinced that Russia needs a strong Armenia, which would be
able to do much for bilateral relations and play a significant role
in the region.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and
may not necessarily represent the opinions of the editorial board.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
