I believe that the events of the last few weeks in Yerevan, the violence and the Government’s suppression of that violence were, if not inspired, at least encouraged by Moscow: Paul A.Goble

“Moscow intends to leave Yerevan with fewer choices,” Paul A.Goble, special adviser to Secretary of State, prominent Analyst on Soviet Nationalities, presently Professor at the Institute of World Politics (IWP), the Director of Research and Publications at Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan)  told 168.am touching upon the reasons of the two-week dramatic developments in Yerevan.

He stated that there have always been people in Armenia, who have been unwilling to support any moods towards resolution what is usually called a Karabakh dispute.

however, according to Gobble that several developments in recent months, in addition to the April four-day war, have played a role and have created the situation which is likely to lead to more instability in Armenia, than in the past.

“These are the recent events, firstly, in Turkey in Ankara shift from being almost military opponent of the Russian Government to be much friendlier Government, and secondly the increasing willingness of the Russian Government to see Baku as its chief partner in the South Caucasus and, thridly, the increasing desire of people in the Armenian Government to explore better ties with European Union (EU) and the U.S.

I believe that Moscow has always thought that Armenia would stay in the Russian call , no matter what historically the Armenians feel surrounded by Turks and they have no choice but the recent changes in the international environment have been that some in Armenia are prepared to look to the West, to look for the foreign new vector of relations.

I believe that the events of the last few weeks in Yerevan, the violence and the Government’s suppression of that violence were, if not inspired, at least encouraged by Moscow with the desire to force the head of Armenian Government to suppress any popular opposition and that the act of suppression would make it far more difficult for Armenia to develop good relations with EU and U.S. and leave Armenia with fewer choices including almost certainly the choice the only one remaining the Moscow’s view would be for Yerevan to return to Moscow’s call, even though in recent months Moscow has been pursuing a policy in the South Caucasus which is anything but Armenia friendly,” Paul A.Goble said.

By Araks Martirosyan