Vulnerable Armenia critically needs Russia
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
Armenia suddenly stepped back from its intention to integrate into Europe and knocked on the door of the fresh Eurasian Economic Union, initiated and led by Russia.
The U-turn in President Serzh Sargsyan's foreign policy course resulted in the membership of the country in the economic alliance. Several European players called it a disrespectful approach by Armenia, while some others said the country was free to choose its way.
"Armenia is a vulnerable country with a limited number of choices. Security cooperation and strategic partnership with Russia is critically important for it," said Catherine Lynch, British Ambassador to Armenia.
Russia has always had a great influence on Armenia's foreign and domestic policy. Political activity of the post-Soviet state remains imperfect without Russia's participation. Both countries are strategic allies, having relations since April 3, 1992.
Lynch said Armenia's sudden decision to prefer the Eurasian Economic Union over the European Union was not so unexpected.
"That decision is no longer a surprise for me. All we know that Armenia is a vulnerable country, having limited options of choice. Relations with Russia are extremely important for this country," Lynch said.
Europe realizes Armenia's non-free diplomacy characterized by a strong dependence on Russia and other international players. Russia is the chief ally of the former Soviet nation.
The Armenian government has never cherished a desire to cut its ties with Moscow, as it needs Russia as a patron and strong partner far more than Russia needs Armenia. One of many reasons why Russia has kept Armenia in its orbit over the last two decades is that the U.S. mostly ignored Armenia in the Karabakh war, which resulted in Armenia's violent occupation of the historical and legal territories of Azerbaijan.
Russia played a significant role to prevent Armenia from being economically isolated given to its aggressive policy in the region. Its aggressive approach towards Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as several reported problems with Georgia pushed the occupant country out of important regional projects. To this end, Armenia took its utmost to keep friendly and strategic relations with Russia. The northern giant has turned into Armenia's vertebral column amid the former Soviet state's pale image due to its weak political will and strong political dependence.
Would Armenia dare to downgrade universally beneficial relationships with Russia and look for closer ties with the western states, which opt for closer relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan? No. Armenia was historically interrelated to Russia and is continuing to feel the dominating role of its northern neighbor in its political and economic life. No doubt, Armenia's future will remain under Russia's strong influence amid its full-speed preparations for the EEU membership. President Serzh Sargsyan has warm-heartedly ratified the agreement on the entry to the union, receiving full backing from the Constitutional Court. Now the parliament is close to join the economic alliance. In other words, Armenia is just a step back from opening a new page where the name of Russia comes first and keeps no room for Europe.