YEREVAN, March 30. /ARKA/. Armenia should build its relations with Russia on the basis of dialogue and cold, pragmatic and comprehensive analysis, President Armen Sarkissian said in an interview with aravot.am website and ‘Aravot’ daily.
“If we look back or look at our daily life, we will see a huge Armenian Diaspora in Russia, most of whom are citizens of Russia. We have a brilliant history; we lived as part of one state for about 200 years: first in the Russian Empire, then in the Soviet Union. Ethnic Armenians made a huge contribution to the development of Russia, starting from the Loris-Melikovs, Lazarevs, Aivazovsky,” Sarkissian emphasized.
However, when developing ties between the two countries, one should set aside emotions and form an agenda of relations through a very cold, pragmatic, comprehensive analysis and dialogue.
“In other words, we should develop a roadmap for relations with Russia on the basis of mutual interests. We should not forget that this concerns a small Armenia and a larger Armenian people living under a blockade in the Caucasus. And our strategic partner is one of the world superpowers, a nuclear superpower. Therefore, first of all, our relations should be based on reality,” the president said.
Sarkissian pointed out that a clear pragmatic agenda for cooperation should be developed with two important components: trust between partners and predictability.
“One should not avoid strategic, long-term partnership with the same Russia, because it is natural for Armenia. And we should not shy away from this, because many of our partners in the West understand this well,” the President stressed.
He added that during his conversations with the US senators, he felt that they treat Armenia and the Armenians well, are ready to help, and are informed about the Armenian Genocide.
“However, when it comes to pragmatic and real politics, the senators say that Armenia has special relations with Russia, based on the historical past and today’s regional politics. And here they see nothing negative,” Sarkissian said.
Therefore, while maintaining special relations with the same Russia, Armenia can have deep and warm relations with America, the West and the Middle East.
“There is no contradiction as long as we conduct an honest and pragmatic policy, as long as our policy is balanced and logical,” Sarkissian said. – 0–