Armenia’s political elite concerned about Russia’s pronounced anti-Western drive
19.11.2013,
17:29
Armenia's political elite is concerned about Russia’s emphasized anti-European foreign policy, Vahan Hovhanesyan, a parliament member from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation/ Dshnaktsutyun, said today when speaking at a seminar on the Russia-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization and modern security challenges in Yerevan.
YEREVAN, November 19. / ARKA /. Armenia's political elite is concerned about Russia’s emphasized anti-European foreign policy, Vahan Hovhanesyan, a parliament member from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation/ Dshnaktsutyun, said today when speaking at a seminar on the Russia-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization and modern security challenges in Yerevan.
The seminar was organized by CSTO Institute Armenia branch, Russian-Armenian Friendship non-governmental organization, Noravank research and learning center as well as CSTO Analytical Center.
According to Hovhanesyan, throughout its history – when it was an empire and under the Soviets- Russia always had partners in Europe, while now it is left alone.
“This worries Armenia ", said Hovhanesyan.
He said as a result of this policy Armenia’s Eurasian integration drive may result in the loss of support of a large segment of the vast Armenian Diaspora.
Speaking about Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union Hovhanesyan claimed that the Russian political elite failed to realize that Armenia has a special place in EU’s Eastern Partnership program.
"After the 2008 Georgian-Russian war, it became clear that Armenia needs to diversify its economic and transport policies, particularly, ease its energy dependence. We hoped that Russia would understand this ‘because Armenia could have become a transit route for Russian entrepreneurs to reach European markets.’ -0-
