‘Russia is integral part of European civilization’ – Armenian PM Pashinyan
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is emphasizing that Armenia does not perceive the situation as having to make a choice between Europe and Russia.
According to PM Pashinyan, Russia is an integral part of the European civilization and an example in itself as to how the West and the East can harmoniously co-exist.
“Armenia doesn’t perceive the situation in a way that we must make a choice between Europe and Russia,” Pashinyan told the Russian Kommersant newspaper in an interview.
“In the 18th century representatives of the Armenian elite were attempting to make Russia come into our region. Why was this happening? Because at that time representatives of the Armenian elite perceived the situation in a way that Russia will come to our region and will bring European values with her. For us, Russia is a European country. Armenia is also a European country, Belarus also. For us, Russia is an integral part of European civilization. This isn’t only our modern understanding but also our historic understanding. Israel Ori, who is known as the initiator of Russia’s entry to South Caucasus, began his mission from Europe. He attempted to bring European troops to Armenia in order for them to liberate our region from Turks and Persians. He first went to Germany (Pfalz), then to Austro-Hungaria. And Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I (whose court was in Vienna because at that time the empire included also Austria and Hungaria) advised him to apply to Russian Tsar Peter I. European monarchs advised Armenians to establish contact with Europe through Russia. Meaning, Russia came to our region as a European power. Russian culture and civilization are integral parts of European civilization. True, Russia is also part of the Eurasian civilization. Russia in itself is an example on how the East and the West can harmoniously co-exist,” PM Nikol Pashinyan said.
To the journalist’s observation that today we see how Russia and the West are in conflict, including in the post-Soviet region, Pashinyan said: “Many European leaders are saying that establishing normal relations with Russia is a priority for them. They are telling me this during official meetings. But there is no choice for us – East or West. We are a member to the EAEU and we have an agreement with the European Union on comprehensive and enhanced partnership. Russia is not opposing our cooperation with the EU, and the EU is not opposing our membership to the EAEU,” the Armenian Premier said.
