Edward Sharmazanov: “Economic relations should be diversified”

Interview by David Stepanyan, Yerevan. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

The vice-speaker of the Armenian parliament and press secretary of the Republican Party, Edward Sharmazanov told Vestnik Kavkaza on prospects of participation of Armenia in integration processes in the post-Soviet area, and the possibility of surprises ahead of the presidential elections.

-          As a republican, do you think major force situations can appear ahead of the elections?

-          I don’t think it is possible in the current situation. We had a major force situation during the March elections in 2008, which were accompanied by the moral and political crisis and human casualties. The society was divided into two opposite sides, it was full of hatred. I participated in these developments and know how difficult they were. Today such surprises won’t happen, and it is not because of a wave of a magic wand. Yes, the current Armenia has many problems and issues that should be settled, but everything is comparative. Today the level of democracy, pluralism, the mass media freedom, the political culture is much higher than we had 5 years ago.

-          What is important for Republicans along with the victory of their candidate?

-          First of all, it is important for the RPA to provide transparent, free, and democratic elections today. Armenia has a chance to organize the best elections after which the society won’t be divided into “them” and “us.” Only the society will decide whether to trust the authorities or not. I think we are far away from Brezhnev’s times of absence of pluralism. And as the ruling party we have to provide all necessary conditions for free elections. I am sure international and local observers will have an opportunity to see it.

-          What do you think about the participation of Armenia in European integration projects, for instance the Eastern Partnership, and initiated by Moscow projects of integration in the post-Soviet space?

-          The RPA is a supporter of an active foreign political course in all possible directions. Therefore, we are not only supporters of the European integration, our priority is the realization of the multisided policy. I would like to note that the Armenian authorities have always been supporters of forming good relations with all major political players at a high level. Considering the geopolitical peculiarities of our regions, it is very important for us. Moreover, Russia itself cooperates actively with Europe and the West in general. I believe economic relations cannot develop in one direction only, they should be diversified.

-          Does the Associative Agreement with the EU, which is going to be signed, contradict a possible membership of Armenia in the Customs and future Eurasian Unions?

-          I think these are two different things, and they should be considered from different points of view. Good relations with Europe do not require Armenia’s denial of its duties to Russia. Armenia is one of the most active supporters of integration process in the post-Soviet space.

President Serge Sargsyan stated in one of his interviews that the republic stands for the realization of almost any integration processes within the CIS. There is no other way, considering our interests in new markets and opportunities of the Customs Union, for example. The same view we have on European integration process.

-          What about Armenia’s security?

-          Of course this element is a priority for the authorities of Armenia in relations with partners. It is no secret that our security is globally provided by the strategic partner of Armenia – Russia. Improvement of relations with our strategic partner is a long-term priority for the RPA. Thus, we can definitely say that Armenia connects its security with a partnership with Russia and its membership in the CSTO. We have never discussed our possible membership in the NATO. At the same time, we are intensively developing partner relations with European countries and the USA. We believe it is acceptable and doesn’t damage our strategic relations with Russia, our main ally.