VAHAN HOVHANNISIAN: IN FOREIGN RELATIONS ARMENIA SHOULD BE GUIDED EXCLUSIVELY BY NATIONAL INTERESTS

Noyan Tapan
Jan 16 2007

YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. "In foreign political relations,
it is necessary to be guided exclusively by national interests," is
said in the pre-election program of Vahan Hovhannisian, the ARF Bureau
member nominated as candidate for the post of president of the RA.

According to him, today the superpowers try to make Armenia conduct
its foreign policy guided by their own interests which mainly oppose
each other.

The confrontation of superpowers in the region caused competition,
which is increasing with every passing day, especially among the South
Caucasian states. In order to win regional competition, Armenia should
conduct an active policy full of initiative.

In the opinion of the presidential candidate, one of Armenia’s
priorities is deepening of Eurointegration process, bringing the
country into line with European standards.

Prior to international recognition of status of liberated Artsakh,
Armenia should promote the establishment and development of
international links of the NKR. Direct participation of the NKR
in negotiations on peaceful settlement of the problem should be
ensured. The settlement of the problem should be unequivocally
acceptable to citizens of Armenia and Artsakh.

It is stated in the program of V. Hovhannisian that Armenia should
raise the issues of Turkey’s hostile attitude, the Armenian-Turkish
border, anf Turkey’s responsibility for the Armenian Genocide at
international instances.

Deepening and expansion of cooperation with direct neighbors –
Georgia and Iran is of strategical importance to Armenia. Armenia
should strive to sign bilateral agreements with Georgia on
providing assistance in all spheres of economic, social, political
and cultural life of Armenians traditionally living in Javakhk and
neighboring regions. There are extensive opportunities for developing
Armenian-Iranian cooperation in energy, trade and economic, transport
communication sectors, which allow to work out and implement strategic
programs.