Pro-Russian Policy of Armenia’s Authorities Contributes to Deepening of Dividing Lines in the Region: Armen Grigoryan

Interview with Armen Grigoryan, columnist on Eurasian Security for the Jamestown Foundation, political analyst.

Mr. Grigoryan Warsaw Summit Communiqué was held recently , which promised to become a turning-point against the background of restraint of Russian expansion. What’s your assessment to the summit results? What was it marked by?

Threats existent for Europe’s security from the side of Russia are enshrined in the Declaration of Warsaw Summit, moreover, as compared to a range of former documents, this time formulations are rather clear. The program on deploying NATO battalions in Poland and Baltic countries (American, Canadian, British and German) is entering the phase of practical implementation, and their deployment means that in case of Russian invasion use of Article 5 of NATO Charter will be guaranteed, i.e. to temporarily avoid further tension Baltic countries won’ be handed to Russia. Practical steps towards establishment of united Black Sea fleet are anticipated as well.

After this new process initiated by NATO there is a viewpoint, that the perspective of Armenia’s alienation from Russia is being shaped. Which role may be assumed to Armenia in this process, which has a Russian military base on its territory and strategic relations with Russia?

The viewpoint expressed by you is too optimistic. Russia having absolute influence on Armenia’s political elite and power structures, involves Armenia in confrontation with NATO. Imposing of united air defense agreement was its edifice. At NA voting approximately the same for/against ratio was formed, which was observed during the voting on membership to Eurasian Economic Union, and it’s more than simply a coincidence.

How did NATO Summit end for Armenia?

NATO expressed its readiness to develop relations with all partners, including Armenia. Time will show upon which format Armenia-NATO cooperation will develop under the deepening confrontation between NATO and Russia. Armenia’s authorities, continuing to pursue traditional pro-Russian policy contribute to deepening of dividing lines in the region. It’s particularly observed against the background of Georgia-NATO relations.

By Araks Martirosyan