Pashinyan is trying to distance himself from Russia, but the people of Armenia must make a choice: Vladimir Shapovalov

Vladimir Shapovalov, a political scientist, commented to Alpha News on the statement by Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Armenia, that relations with Russia cannot be the same as before. In his view, Pashinyan’s statement is a continuation of a policy aimed at trying to sit on two stools.

“Nikol Pashinyan’s statement is a continuation of a policy aimed at trying to sit on two stools: to keep the benefits of partnership and allied relations with Russia and of membership in the EAEU, while doing everything to distance himself from Russia and move closer to those EU countries that are unfriendly toward the Russian Federation. I would also stress that Mr. Pashinyan’s attempt to link the change in relations with Russia to the fact that there used to be a conflict with Azerbaijan and now there is none does not stand up to any criticism, because it turns out that Armenia’s allied relations with Russia were needed solely to stand up to Azerbaijan. And as soon as the building of peaceful relations with Baku began, so to speak, the ally in the person of Russia stopped being needed and relevant. It is a very selfish position,” Shapovalov said.

According to the political scientist, Armenia’s official position fails to take into account the centuries-long friendship between the Russian and Armenian peoples, and the policy being pursued is mistaken even from the standpoint of rational behavior.

“In fact, as for Russia’s position, throughout the centuries it has always been a friend of the Armenian people and has always saved the Armenian people in difficult situations, and I am sure that most people in Armenia know this, remember it and appreciate it. Unfortunately, Yerevan’s official position does not take into account the centuries-long friendship between the Russian and Armenian peoples in Russia and Armenia, and is aimed solely at obtaining maximum dividends both from relations with the Russian Federation and from, so to speak, the development of integration processes with Western countries and the European Union. This policy is mistaken even from the standpoint of rational behavior. Unfortunately, it will give the Armenian people nothing, and a choice will have to be made: either with Russia or against Russia. The choice is up to the Armenian people and the Armenian state,” Shapovalov concluded.