Moscow didn’t mind leaving the impression that Serzh Sargsyan is properly welcomed in Russia: Lukyanov
“Against the background of serious discordances within EEU, policy pursued by Armenia, its value for Russia as the only strategic partner is being distinguished and assessed by Russia,” Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, told 168.am, reflecting to the visit of Armenia’s president Serzh Sargsyan to Moscow.
Ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia in the framework of his official two-day visit to the Russian Federation, where president Serzh Sargsyan along with several representative meetings held negotiations with the RF president Vladimir Putin. Receiving Serzh Sargsyan in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, recording that the meeting is taking place in the background of the preparation for big domestic political events in Armenia—parliamentary elections, he stated that the process isn’t easy, however, “I am sure, under your leadership, Armenia will pass this stage of its development. I wish you success,” which was qualified by Armenian and Russian experts as Moscow’s support to the incumbent RPA in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
According to Fyodor Lukyanov the Armenian side at this stage used this visit to Moscow for two purposes. In his words, firstly, the visit of the Armenian side to Moscow, which followed immediately Brussels and Paris, should be observed as a demonstrative attempt not to offend Moscow and keep the balance between the West and Russia.
Secondly, according to Lukyanov high-level visits to superpowers in the pre-election period are observed by the public, expert community as supporting the incumbent power. Thus, Lukyanov stated that the Armenian side took into consideration this component as well also to leave such an impression in public perceptions.
“I consider these goals of the Armenian side came true, as obviously details of the visit to Brussels, then short content of the future agreement have been thoroughly introduced in Moscow, to which the latter naturally isn’t against, which raises level of trust in bilateral relations, Moscow always casted doubt on Armenia-West contacts.
This visit gave certain assurances to Moscow regarding the framework of Armenia-West relations. I have the impression that on the whole Armenian authorities succeeded to prove the public that Brussels and Moscow see no alternatives to it, meanwhile these visits have been preliminarily planned, developed, and they didn’t distinguish by anything,” Lukyanov said.
The latter agrees with the circulating opinions that Sargsyan was well welcomed in Moscow, it didn’t miss the attention of both media outlets and the expert community. Lukyanov considers this happened for the reason that against the background of serious discordances within EEU policy pursued by Armenia, its value for Russia as the only strategic partner is being highlighted.
Thus, the Russian expert considers Moscow isn’t against leaving the impression that Armenia’s president is properly welcomed in Moscow, why not, has support of Russia’s authorities. “Russia follows, but attempts maximally not to interfere with its domestic policy, usually working with the leadership, which gained people’s vote,” Lukyanov said.
In his words it’s important for Russia’s authorities that Armenian policy didn’t undergo essential changes. In his words, as long as that threats lack, Russia attentively follows the developments. Asked how Moscow will manifest itself in case of unprecedented developments or unexpected exit of elections, Lukyanov replied it should attempt to find common edges with new Armenian authorities, or seek cooperation with alternative powers.
By Araks Martirosyan
