Why is Putin visiting Armenia with big delegation? – opinions

Why is Putin visiting Armenia with big delegation? – opinions

12:33 – 30.11.13

The report that Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Armenia
with a 500-member delegation has spurred varying comments in the
political circles of Armenia.

While Eduard Sharmazanov, a deputy speaker of the National Assembly
and a spokesperson for the ruling Republican Party of Armenia,
considers the existing concerns a storm in a teacup, the opposition
Heritage party’s deputy leader, Armen Martirosyan, describes Putin’s
intention as a manifestation of vassal relations.

Speaking to Tert.am, Sharmazanov said that the concerns are absolutely
baseless in the light of the current level of the Armenian-Russian
relations which is `quite high’ without extra formalities and luxury.

`The signing of bilateral agreements is planned on the sidelines of
the Russian Federation president’s visit. In terms of the development
of the Armenian-Russian strategic relations, I don’t think the fuss,
which certain people make, is justified,’ he said.

Asked whether the strategic alliance deal expected to be signed in the
course of Putin’s visit would be a more serious document compared to
the one which the two countries signed back in 1925, the politician
replied, `The Armenian-Russian relations are built on a considerably
firm ground. As for the strategic alliance, it is necessary to note
that bilateral agreements were signed also in the course of [former]
President [Dmitry] Medvedev’s visit; and the Russian military bases
was enriched in the course of time. So I think what we have to do is
just to develop the cooperation.’

The Heritage party’s deputy leader, however, is inclined to think just
the other way about. `The cooperation is vanishing, unfortunately. So
the method of giving instructions is going to work at this point, as
well as the fact that the type of relations is a non-friendly one,
being forced by pressures and different forms of blackmails etc. It
does really make such an impression,’ he said.

Martirosyan said a possible government change in Armenia and Russia
would be the only way to allow both countries to develop friendly
relations and a partnership in a way that is expected to be in the
frameworks of the strategic agreements signed. `This is not a
relationship of younger and older brothers; our authorities are the
first to blame for this,’ Martirosyan said, considering such a conduct
unacceptable.

Describing President Serzh Sargsyan September 3 statement about
joining the Russian-led Customs Union as a move dictated under Russian
pressure, the politician said further that Armenia had never before
made such a prompt decision on the level of its president, without
having the issue well in advance on its political agenda.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress