Eurasian project for Armenia: view from Yerevan. Part 3

Susanna Petrosian, Yerevan, exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

Can Russia keep its word?

Yerevan also recalls the highly-unpopular Armenian-Russian intergovernmental agreement of 2002 "Property for Debt", when Russia obtained five Armenian enterprises of strategic importance for the Armenian state debt amounting to 108 million dollars. At the time Russian top  officials assured their Armenian partners that investments will be made in the development of these companies and new jobs will be created. This did not happen, and the companies finally became obsolete after 10 years. It turns out that Russia could not technologically re-equip the Armenian companies or did not want to do this.

Both options are equally bad. Armenia is a small country, where such displays of either inaction or reckless attitude to promises are clearly recorded by the political and expert elite and the journalistic community. This seriously affected the reputation of Russia. If it has not fulfilled its promises in this project, it cannot be going to fulfil its assurances given in the framework of such a serious project as the EAC.

"Both... and"  or "either... or"?

Recently, Russian politicians and experts have often expressed hints that Armenia should abandon its traditional policy of "both... and" and make a choice between the West and Russia, in this case - between the EU and the EAC. The major component of Armenia's foreign policy as a country in a very difficult geopolitical situation, the people of which have experienced a terrible tragedy - the genocide in the Ottoman Empire almost 100 years ago _ is complementarism, or simply the formula "both the West and Russia". The policies of little Armenia, which it has conducted since gaining independence in 1991, displeases all the  world's major centers, including Moscow, Washington, Brussels and even neighboring Iran. Despite jealous claims that the resource of "sitting on the fence is exhausted" and Armenia has to self-determine, to date none of the three major world players have managed to force Armenia to reverse course. Armenia has not succumbed to pressure from Russia to  recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. And Washington, which is discontented, as well as Moscow, by the policy of "sitting on the fence", has allowed the degree of interaction between Armenia and Iran which is present today. This is unbelievable, but true.

The influence of "the powers that be" is great but not unlimited. "Our country has some "red flags", and there are some limitations. In interaction with Russia this is the sphere of security, and no one will violate these rules - we are not crazy. On the other hand, we have other "red flags" - development following the model of the West. No one likes our policy, but everyone considers it, given the very complex geopolitical situation in Armenia," director of the Caucasus Institute Alexander Iskandaryan says.

Speaking about the choice between the EU and the EAC, MP Gagik Minasyan said that all three Armenian Presidents adhered to a middle ground: "Today the question is put in a very uncompromising form. Like in the past 20 years, in this issue there have been ebbs and flows, and we are now going through this phase. I do not share the view that the multi-vector policy has exhausted itself; in this case there is a question of choice."

What is more attractive: Russia, Europe, China or the oil war?

Russia is not considered an attractive country, comparable to Europe, in Armenia. Recently, an unknown man posted on Facebook a map of the world as perceived by Armenians, which demonstrates the assessment and attitude of Armenians to the countries of the world. Only the "powers that be", namely, the United States and Russia, have managed to avoid any comments. However, the United States was designated by the word "Los" which apparently refers to Los Angeles, home to one million Armenians. Africa is marked by "This is not a place to live." Map of Australia, apparently in view of natural disasters, says "Out of harm's way," Greenland - "There are no Armenians here", the Middle East is marked by a commentary - "Oil, war and fuss", South America - "Cocaine and other drugs - not to contact", but the whole of Europe is painted in the same color and says "Prestigious countries".

Should we blame the people for the fact that Europe is more attractive to them than Russia? But in order to draw attention to its projects or new associations, Russia should become an attractive country - moreover, not only in economic terms but also in other aspects, such as in terms of justice. If Russia will find its way and not just build a prosperous and successful society, but also support justice, it can be an integration center. Vladimir Putin has said that Russia should become a great energy power, but this concept is not strong enough to attract the Armenians.