Narrative of pushing Russia out is central in Armenia–US relations – Movses Ghazaryan

Speaking with Alpha News, political scientist Movses Ghazaryan commented on the joint statement by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the Armenia-US Implementation Framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).

“The statements made at the meeting of the US and Armenian foreign ministers clearly show that the narrative of pushing Russia out is, in fact, one of the central themes in the bilateral interaction between Armenia and the United States, as well as in the cooperation among Armenia, the United States, and Azerbaijan. Neither in Yerevan, nor in Baku, nor in Washington are there any illusions that Russia should retain even some residual influence in the South Caucasus,” the expert said.

The political scientist described the roles of Armenia and Turkey in the region.

“Armenia is not in a position where its interests are taken into account. Turkey is expected to replace Russia’s role in Armenia’s development, becoming a new ‘protector’ of Armenia within the Western community in the Middle East and the South Caucasus,” he said.

According to Ghazaryan, Russia is dissatisfied with the current balance in the South Caucasus and will seek solutions based on its own interests.

“This course of events does not suit Moscow, and Moscow will find options to offset the situation in the region. That said, such an approach will likely involve a more restrained attitude toward Armenia and its interests. What remains unchanged for Moscow is respect for the interests of the Armenian people and Armenian society. Moscow clearly distinguishes between Armenian society and the Armenian authorities in the current situation with their foreign policy narratives. Moscow remains open to dialogue and cooperation,” Ghazaryan concluded.