Union with Russia is the only opportunity for Armenian people to have their sovereignty and develop — Karen Shakhnazarov

Speaking with Alpha News, Karen Shakhnazarov, Director General of Mosfilm, commented on the crisis in Armenian-Russian allied relations on the sidelines of the 17th Verona Eurasian Economic Forum in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Have Armenia and Russia passed the “point of no return” in their allied relations?

I hope not. I am observing the situation and, frankly speaking, it upsets me greatly, because, in my opinion, the only possibility for the people of Armenia to have their own sovereignty and develop is, after all, in union with Russia. There is no alternative to this. And the position of the Armenian political administration, frankly speaking, surprises me. But I still hope that there is no “point of no return” yet, although I think that it can happen. I will tell you this: I am half Armenian, of course, a Russian Armenian. My mother is Russian, but I am very concerned about Armenia and the fate of the Armenian people, of course.

You often communicate with both the creative intelligentsia of Russia and political experts. In your opinion, is Russia interested in maintaining ties with Armenia?

Well, of course it is; I have no doubts. Not to mention that there are even more Armenians in Russia than in Armenia. Of course, Russian Armenians have a clear position. As far as I know, and I have the opportunity to communicate, they are extremely concerned about this position that the political elite of Armenia takes. So, it is clear that Armenia is an important country for Russia, and these ties are of great importance.