ARMENIA SHOULD PREPARE TO MITIGATING CONSEQUENCES OF RUSSIA-GEORGIA OPPOSITION IN ADVANCE

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.10.2006 16:06 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ At the given phase of the protracted confrontation
between Georgia and Russia there are no significant and moreover
catastrophic consequences for Armenia expected from economic and
political pressure put by Moscow upon Tbilisi, analyst of Spectrum
Center for Strategic Analysis Sergey Sargsyan told PanARMENIAN.Net. In
his words, firstly, the matter does not concern economic blockade
yet, but economic and psychological pressure. "Moreover, Russia is
interested to make these addressed, thus limitations will not concern
transit. Secondly, the next peak of anti-Russian campaign in Georgia,
marking local authorities elections is already overcome. Another matter
is that Russia used the occasion – the detention of its servicemen –
to radically reconsider its policy towards Tbilisi. Thus, one should
not rule out further aggravation of Russian-Georgian relations, up
to introducing complex sanctions. Thus, it would be good to prepare
to it in advance, e.g. changing transportation routes," he remarked.

Besides, Sargsyan underscored that in the current situation repair
and expanding of Poti-Akhalkalaki-Gyumri road could be lobbied within
the Millennium Challenge Account. "Its sponsors will meet the idea
with understanding, as otherwise the cargo will go through Iran,
and this will tie Armenia with IRI even closer – both in economic
and political respects," the Armenian analyst said.