Panorama.am
16:55 23/08/2008
President Serzh Sargsyan’s Interview to Austrian `DER STANDARD’
Newspaper
President of Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan discusses current
problems of South Caucasus and particularly Russian role in the region
in his August 22 interview to Austrian newspaper `Der Standard’.
`Standard’: `Be friendly to Russia and don’t go too far with the
West,’ under this slogan was conducted Russian invasion to
Georgia. What is your opinion about this?
Sargsyan: Have a look at Armenian history, and it will be clear for
you, that Russia has alwas been our friend and partner. The
partnership cannot be obligatory. I don’t want to speak in the name of
other countries, but at least Armenia has always been frank in
relations with Russia. Moreover, our military cooperation with Russia
has never hampered Armenia’s dynamic collaboration with NATO, EU or
the US and Iran.
`Standard’: It’s not the first time Armenia suffers in the result of
Georgia-Russia disputes. What is the advice to your Georgian
counterpart?
Sargsyan: I’m not the one to give advice. But I must say that in our
small region which is too sensitive to world leaders’ interests, it is
better to maintain effective collaboration in general profits sphere,
then to raise tensions between them. This is certainly harmful for
South Caucasus first. Therefore, it’s no use making new artificial
ideological parties thus creating new obstacles in our way to stable
regional environment.
`Standard’: As known, an important Russian military-base is situated
in Armenia. Is the military presence and leadership of Russia in South
Caucasus preferable for Armenia?
Sargsyan: Armenia is in favor of effective military cooperation for
sake of security in the whole region. That is why Armenia is the
member Collective Security Treaty Organization. So, I think that
military-bases are more symbolizing effective collaboration and not
particular country’s leadership.
`Standard’: Are there any certain consequences for another `freezed
conflict’ of Nagorno Karabakh after South Ossetia dispute?
Sargsyan: The South Ossetia conflict has proved that any kind of
military interference to the right of nations to self-determination
brings about very serious geopolitical developments. Moreover, it is
clear now that South Caucasus has become a place of arms race, and
insensible extension of military budget. Every country should respect
all nations’ right to self-determination, otherwise military
interference will grow into ethnic cleansings and violation of
international humanitarian law.
`Standard’: Turkey has never responded to the proposal of `start of
diplomatic relations with Armenia without any preconditions.’ However,
you even invited Turkish president Abdulla Gul to be present the
coming Armenia-Turkey football match.
Sargsyan: I can confirm that Armenia was always in favor of
establishment of diplomatic ties with Turkey. It’s useless arguing and
being eternal foes. If we start relations, it will be profitable for
both of us. Moreover, my Turkish counterpart has said recently that
Turkey has no enemies in this region, and Erdoghan even said that
Turkey’s readying to talks with Armenia. So, in my opinion, president
Gul’s visit to our country will make real grounds for our future
negotiations. We can have hundreds of problems, but we can never solve
them unless we start talks as normal civilized countries do.
Source: Panorama.am