BBC Monitoring Trans Caucasus Unit
Supplied by BBC Worldwide Monitoring
Monday
Armenian media, experts mull Putin's remarks
By BBC Monitoring
Armenian media outlets and pundits have weighed in on Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest statements about bilateral relations with Yerevan.
Putin called Armenia one of Russia's "closest ally" and praised the two countries' "smooth relations" during his annual marathon press conference on 20 December. He underscored that there are no major problems that need to be resolved between the two countries. Putin also noted that the strong bilateral relations that were established by previous leaders should continue to develop.
Putin also said he will discuss the ties during the visit of acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Moscow next week.
'New-generation relationship'
Putin's comments ushered in a "new-generation relationship" between the two countries despite the fact that the Russian leader had not congratulated Pashinyan on his bloc's victory in the 9 December parliamentary election, Lragir.am website said.
"This is what the Russian president is interested in now, and not [in formation of a new] Armenian parliament. That is to say, [he is interested in] what the first leader of the new generation, Pashinyan, is ready for, and what curve in the Armenian-Russian relations can be expected now and in future," the website said.
Though Putin made it clear that he would not tolerate any radical changes in relations with Armenia, he expressed readiness to take into consideration "the new global and regional realities", the website said.
'Conventional starting point'
Armenian pundits also noted Putin's statement that he will meet with Pashinyan in Moscow the following week.
Zhamanak paper described the expected Putin-Pashinyan meeting as a "conventional starting point" for the two leaders to transform bilateral relations.
The newspaper opined that Putin, when he mentioned "new" realties, he was signalling that Moscow was ready to take into consideration the arguments presented by the new Armenian government.
"The main issue, basically, refers to the boundaries of a compromise between Yerevan and Moscow in this issue. On the other hand, it is beyond doubt that there is no option but to transform relations, and this is accepted by the Russian president when he speaks about new realities. The issue is how does each side view this transformation," the paper said.
'First real test'
Zhoghovurd paper linked the upcoming Pashinyan-Putin meeting to negotiations on the gas price,noting the fact that the agreement on the Russian gas supplies to Armenia expires on 31 December.
"The gas price is the first real test, and based on the outcome, it will become clear in practice how solid the Armenian-Russian relations are," the paper said.
Sputnik Armenia website also noted that Putin and Pashinyan are most likely to discuss the gas price.
Expert in energy security Vahe Davtyan told the website that it is "hardly probable" that the gas price will be reconsidered.
Davtyan said there was a hope "to smooth over the problems" during the Moscow meeting also in relation to the gas price, noting that Putin's rhetoric demonstrated that there are "points of contact" in the gas issue.
Needing each other
Political expert Yervand Bozoyan expressed conviction that the current difficulties in bilateral relations would eventually be eliminated between the allies.
"Yes, there is some negative background in the Armenian-Russian relations. But it takes time for the sides to eliminate these rough edges. … Both Moscow and Yerevan understand that they need each other. And this understanding will dominate the talks between the leaders," Bozoyan was quoted as saying by Sputnik Armenia.
The website said that the current Armenian authorities' strategy is not quite understandable for Russia. Despite this, Russia is trying to find the "golden mean" to build a dialogue with Yerevan, realising that Armenia is its strategic partner, the website said.