Russia Made a Mistake and it will Cost us Dear: Modest Kolerov

Edward Nalbandyan, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave a large interview to “Kommersant” paper, where, in line with other issues, he touched upon Armenia-Russia military-technical cooperation, then on RA president Serzh Sargsyan’s visit to Moscow scheduled on March 10. “Meeting of heads of our countries will be directed to discussion of earlier reached agreements and identified steps, which will be targeted at further strengthening of our allied strategic partnership,” Nalbandyan said.

However, various scenarios on agenda are being circulated in the press. In this regard 168.am talked to Modest Kolerov, state advisor, Russian political analyst, editor-in-chief of Regnum news agency.

– Noteworthy enough, the visit will take place against the background of domestic policy changes—December 6 referendum, Election Code changes, coalition with Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), after the visit of Federica Mogherini’s, EU High Representative, visit to Yerevan. How are steps and resolutions by RA president perceived in the Kremlin? In your opinion, what will the agenda of the visit be?

–Firstly, the Kremlin is less concerned with Armenia’s domestic policy. I may even say that in Moscow there is trust towards everything Serzh Sargsyan does. Secondly, coalition with Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) isn’t news, as it’s updated from time to time. Thirdly, despite Robert Kocharyan’s high and visible resistance, Constitutional amendments have been adopted, which wasn’t complained or commented by Moscow, i.e. from this perspective Serzh Sargsyan has both trust and carte blanche.

As for the agenda, I think its main component will be perspectives and situation inside Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), situation in the Middle East, including the Islamic State, perspective for development of Independent Kurdistan. Undoubtedly, Russia-Turkey relations will be a topic for discussion, as well as Armenia’s and Russia’s partnership liabilities enshrined in it. Obviously, NKR conflict situation will be discussed, that Turkey may instigate Azerbaijan to open the third front both against Armenia and Russia. It’s going to be good, mature and responsible agenda. I’m sure, Russia and Armenia will make proper, and even partnership resolutions regarding all agenda points.

–It’s not excluded that Serzh Sargsyan in the Kremlin will raise the issue of gas price, as you know, Hovik Abrahamyan, RA Prime Minister, submitted a request-letter on reducing price for the gas to Dmitri Medvedev, RA Prime Minister. Is Russia ready to comply with the request, if you claim that partnership resolutions will be concluded?

–All economic issues emerging between Armenia and Russia are already being discussed in Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) format, thus there is no any issue for likewise discussions, especially, if we take into account that Armenia’s representative in near future will lead Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), i.e. Armenia is ready to discuss likewise issues more than ever.

–In his famous speech of February RA president also spoke of Armenia’s economic perspective—necessity of cooperation with new markets, meanwhile RF Ministry of Economic Development offered EEU to deal with import substitution. In your opinion, to which extent wishes of Armenia’s leader comply with EEU developments?

–You are confusing. Import substitution deals with import, and search for new markets is an issue of export, they don’t contradict each other. As for the idea of finding new markets, it’s an utopia, mutual trade between EEU member countries decreases, this is a problem, seems the most beneficiary conditions are established for trade inside EEU, however, they aren’t implemented. If you don’t make use of those possibilities, even if you fly to the Moon, nowhere will be a good place. It’s worth taking the market, which is familiar to you, and maximally use it, the rest is just utopia.

–Mr. Kolerov, Serzh Sargsyan’s speech was followed by statement of RA second president, in which he touched upon his special feelings towards Russia. In Armenia, this wasn’t regarded as accidental, considering the second president offers his candidacy to Moscow. What do you think of this?

– As a result of Constitutional amendments, position of the President has no sense at all, even that of the Prime Minister, NA Chairman, as well. The only position in the new governance system, it’s the position of head of political parties, and it has only one place. I consider, even under all observations by respectable Robert Sedrakich, there is no space for his return to power, as he won’t be back to subordinate positions, will he?

– You already mentioned that during the visit of RA president Russia-Turkey relations will be discussed , as well as Armenia’s partnership liabilities, which bother Armenian expert community. What role does the Kremlin assume to Armenia in relations between Russia and Turkey?

– There is a leading role, which Armenia should implement in any situation—defend itself again and again. No one may propose other role to Armenia. It’s obvious. Under the collapse of former geography of the Middle East and Turkey’s future collapse, negative military, terror, migration energy should be circulated from the region, which, in any case will refer Armenia as well. Armenia, under contemporary conditions, isn’t able to protect itself; the USA and NATO can’t support Armenia to defend itself, as they failed and refused to help Turkey—NATO member from Kurdistan. Thus, partnership with Russia, even in military field, has no alternative.

–However, there are concerns in Armenia in this regard, conditioned by Russia-Azerbaijan military deal.

–Yes, there are problematic consequences in this issue. Yes, Russia supplies heavy equipment to Azerbaijan, it’s not right, I have always said this, and every time, when necessary. Russia made a mistake, and that mistake will cost us dear.

“168.AM”