ArmInfo.. The post-Soviet space is seeing two rival choices now – the first is isolation in company with Russia and the second is joining the civilized world in company with Ukraine. And Armenia is sure to face this choice in the future, Arman Babajanyan, Chairman of the For the Republic Party, said in an interview with ArmInfo.
"What is, in fact, going on is a fight between two leaders in the post-Soviet space. Ukraine is being supported by the West, whereas Russia is isolated. And I would like to stress that the predictions of consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict for Armenia – that they will be restricted to a conflict with Azerbaijan – are, in fact, inaccurate. The Ukraine developments are directly related to Armenia, and their consequences are not only a growing Azerbaijani-Turkish threat," he said.
In this context, Mr Babajanyan points out a need for Yerevan to maintain friendly relations with both Moscow and the West by remaining neutral about Ukraine. Should Armenia prefer Russia or the West, it may lose support in dealing with Turkey and Azerbaijan. In this context, the politician points out a need for discussing any scenarios.
Mr Babajanyan notes the West does not demand that Armenia "decide on its position on Ukraine," while Armenia is not making any proposals. According to him, Yerevan shares the responsibility for the absence of an Armenian agenda in the West. In this context, he recalls the proposals for Yerevan drawing up a clear security and defense cooperation agenda the West made in the wake of the 44-day war. "I personally was convinced of the willingness displayed by the United States and, of course, by France. But I have never seen Yerevan's initiatives. And I cannot understand how it happened that we did not even attempt to convert the friendly relations with France into a contractual basis. Armenia has not a single document cementing relations with the country that has repeatedly shown its friendly attitude and willingness to support our country. I am sure that no threats from the North must ever prevent Armenian- French relations from being cemented by means of a strategic partnership agreement, with a defense component enshrined in it. The present geopolitical situation and Armenia's interests require it," Mr Babajanyan said.
