ARMENIA AND THE CUP OF PATIENCE OF THE WEST
James Hakobyan

Lragir.am
29/01/10

While Iran and Armenia announce about the start of a new phase in
their relations and pay mutual visits on the level of the resigned
president and the acting foreign minister, the U.S. Senate adopts a law
draft with which the U.S. president is allowed to take up punishment
measurements against the Iranian leadership and exporters of oil goods.

Interestingly, on the agenda of the Armenian and Iranian partnership,
projects which are connected with oil goods are also present. As
it is known, an oil terminal, a factory of oil recycling are being
discussed to be built in Armenia.

Of course, it is unreal to think that the U.S. toughens punishment
measurements proceeding from the discussion of cooperation between
Armenia and Iran. But these aspects of partnership are quite possible
to appear under the "punishing" look of the U.S. So, the Armenian
-Iranian oil relations are not ruled out to arouse questions about
Armenia in the U.S.

Usually, the West perceives the cooperation between Armenia and Iran
quite well considering the fact that Armenia is surrounded or half
surrounded and the situation does not let but to cooperate with Iran.

But on the other hand, the cooperation between Armenia and Iran does
not have the scale which would worry the West. What will happen with
the West perception if the scale increases is to be only supposed.

The point is that Russians are always engaged in the Armenian and
Iranian projects. And this means that the scale already increases. On
the one hand, the participation of Russia means a guarantee of
protection, on the other hand, it means enhancement of the political
significance of those relations which may make the West to look at
the Armenian and Iranian relations otherwise.

Recently, the U.S. administration started talking about the cup of
patience on Iran’s nuclear program. Could Armenia fill this cup? It
is unlikely, but if the Armenian-Iranian relations receive a rapid
development, and the involvement of Russia also increases, the bowl
can be filled out and "spilled" on Armenia.

So, the Armenian side should establish links with Iran as possible
without the "protectorate" of Russia