Markedonov: Russia’s policy in Armenia could be improved in certain areas
29.05.2015,
15:04
Russia’s policy in Armenia could be improved in certain areas, Sergey Markedonov, a well-known Russian political analyst and the head of regional studies and foreign policy at the Russian State Humanitarian University, said in an interview with Sputnik-Armenia Radio.
YEREVAN, May 29. /ARKA/. Russia’s policy in Armenia could be improved in certain areas, Sergey Markedonov, a well-known Russian political analyst and the head of regional studies and foreign policy at the Russian State Humanitarian University, said in an interview with Sputnik-Armenia Radio.
“There are different competing political forces in Armenia, and it is seen that Moscow addresses its assistance and influence mainly to the authorities, but it doesn’t mean that the opposition is automatically anti-Russian,” he is quoted by Novosti-Armenia. “I think it is necessary to work with it to create a wide spectrum of pro-Russian interests. Politicians in Armenian may hate and curse each other, but it is desirable that they treat Russia as friend, ally and reliable partner. And such a diversification in working with different groups is needed.”
Markedonov said Russia should change some emphasizes, and expand its focuses counting on soft power.
“If something failed in Ukraine, it doesn’t mean that there is no need in soft power,” he said in his interview. “It is needed and its resources are quite large. Russia’s positions in Armenia are firm and there is considerable interest in Russia here along with understanding that Russia is an important and reliable partner. But there are some topics that need further efforts. It is very important not to continue working and to understand that we have still plenty to do.”
Asked whether Russia would lose Armenia, the political analyst called the partnership and allied relations an everyday plebiscite.
«There is nothing unchangeable in the world, and if we say that Russia and Armenia are reliable partners today, this doesn't mean that things will remain unchanged forever – circumstances may be different,» he said. «But now I see no grounds for such a loss.» --0-----
“There are different competing political forces in Armenia, and it is seen that Moscow addresses its assistance and influence mainly to the authorities, but it doesn’t mean that the opposition is automatically anti-Russian,” he is quoted by Novosti-Armenia. “I think it is necessary to work with it to create a wide spectrum of pro-Russian interests. Politicians in Armenian may hate and curse each other, but it is desirable that they treat Russia as friend, ally and reliable partner. And such a diversification in working with different groups is needed.”
Markedonov said Russia should change some emphasizes, and expand its focuses counting on soft power.
“If something failed in Ukraine, it doesn’t mean that there is no need in soft power,” he said in his interview. “It is needed and its resources are quite large. Russia’s positions in Armenia are firm and there is considerable interest in Russia here along with understanding that Russia is an important and reliable partner. But there are some topics that need further efforts. It is very important not to continue working and to understand that we have still plenty to do.”
Asked whether Russia would lose Armenia, the political analyst called the partnership and allied relations an everyday plebiscite.
«There is nothing unchangeable in the world, and if we say that Russia and Armenia are reliable partners today, this doesn't mean that things will remain unchanged forever – circumstances may be different,» he said. «But now I see no grounds for such a loss.» --0-----
