Samvel Karapetyan: Armenia`s Dependence on Russia peaked under  current administration

ArmInfo. Armenia's dependence on Russia has reached its highest level under the current Armenian government, as stated by Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the Strong  Armenia party, at a press conference in Yerevan on May 7, while  discussing the countries his political party intends to cooperate  with.

According to Karapetyan, their main goal is to establish relations  with all countries and organizations from which Armenia can derive  benefit. "And it doesn't matter which countries these are. For  example, we are obligated to do everything possible to maintain good  relations with those European countries where we have a diaspora. Our  compatriots should live there in prosperity. Having lived outside the  Motherland for more than 30 years myself, I have always recognized  the importance of Armenia's policy toward countries where our  diaspora is represented. Any mistake by the country's leader costs  them far too dearly," the party leader added.

As an example, Karapetyan pointed to the issues faced by Armenians in  Russia, including those related to migration. "As for my pro-Russian  stance, I have always considered Russia a friendly country, but for  me, the interests of Armenia and the Armenian people are paramount,"  Karapetyan added.

However, he declined to comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin's  statements at a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan  regarding the necessity to allow pro-Russian forces to participate in  the upcoming parliamentary elections, noting that he considers such  commentary inappropriate.

 "Today, the whole world is talking about what's happening in  Armenia. In Russia, this was addressed at the highest level. However,  we don't know what French President Emmanuel Macron discussed at his  meeting with Pashinyan. I suspect the conversation there also touched  upon the lawlessness currently taking place in Armenia. As for  Armenia's dependence on Russia, it is under the current authorities  that it has reached its peak. If anyone believes the country subsists  on the government's budget, they are deeply mistaken. We are entirely  dependent on external transfers, including those from Russia. It must  be understood that Russia was and remains a strategic and primary  economic ally for Armenia, as the country currently has no other  options. . However, under our leadership, you will see this  dependence dicrease," Karapetyan assured.

The party leader also shared his position on the Collective Security  Treaty Organization (CSTO). He emphasized that despite their  criticism, the Armenian authorities have taken no steps to withdraw  from the organization for several years, posing a rhetorical question  as to why this remains the case. "At the same time, we understand  that the country does not yet belong to any other military structure.  As a small nation, we cannot afford not to be a member of at least  one such entity," Karapetyan remarked.

Regarding the normalization of relations with Turkey, the party  leader asserted that they intend to have good relations with the  country, but on one condition: that they proceed from Armenia's  interests. "As I have said, we will have good relations with  everyone, but strictly taking our country's interests into account.  And in doing so, nothing will be forgotten," Karapetyan concluded.

Recall, Putin and Pashinyan held talks in Moscow on April 1. The  meeting took place in a rather tense atmosphere, with the parties  exchanging accusations. The Russian leader emphasized Moscow's  position on Yerevan's claims against the CSTO, the Nagorno-Karabakh  issue, Yerevan's integration into the EU, and further cooperation  with the Eurasian Economic Union. The sides also discussed the  construction of a nuclear power plant and the persecution of Russian  businessman Samvel Karapetyan in Armenia.  Pashinyan, in turn,  assured the friendly nature of bilateral relations, recalled the  claims against the CSTO, attempted to shift responsibility for the  surrender of Artsakh to Russia, and declared that Russian citizens  would not be able to participate in political processes in Armenia.