Armenia may be changing its ambassador in Moscow to intensify contacts with Russia: Konstantin Tasits

Political scientist Konstantin Tasits commented to Alpha News on Pashinyan’s decision to recall Gurgen Arsenyan from the post of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Armenia to Russia, noting that it is currently difficult to say definitively whether it signals a deterioration in relations with Russia or, conversely, Yerevan’s intention to improve them.

“At the moment, this decision is difficult to interpret. It could mean exactly opposite things. Either Armenia is lowering the diplomatic level of its relations with Russia and, accordingly, does not intend to normalize them, or, conversely, Pashinyan is interested in resolving the existing contradictions. In that case, he wants to change the ambassador and intensify contacts with the Russian side,” Tasits said.

According to the political scientist, the question of Armenia’s future foreign policy course and its stance toward the European Union also remains important for Moscow.

“The question of the EAEU is important for Russia. This has been stated at the highest level. The President of Russia has spoken about the need for a referendum in Armenia and clarity in bilateral relations. If Armenia chooses a European path of development, Russia will respect the will of the Armenian people, but will structure bilateral contacts accordingly. If Armenia remains in the EAEU, it can accordingly continue its multi-vector policy and build relations with other partners, but with due regard for its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union,” Tasits concluded.