Republican: Armenia should not become a testing ground for conflict between Russia and the West

ArmInfo. Armenia should no longer serve as a testing ground for conflict between Russia and the West. This was written by Armen Ashotyan, Deputy Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), commenting on the results of a seminar on Armenia held in Dublin within the framework of the European Political Community, as well as the declaration adopted following it.

According to him, the Armenian authorities are currently trying to present this event as a major diplomatic success. "However, if we discard the false pathos and carefully read what lies between the lines, it becomes obvious: all this is merely further evidence of empty talk and further confirmation of the dangerous adventure of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan." While a few European officials will be patting Pashinyan on the shoulder on the sidelines of the summit, we, ordinary citizens of Armenia, will have to pay for the consequences of this policy," the RPA deputy chairman noted on his Facebook page. He then went on to explain what was really behind the document. He primarily drew attention to the empty seats instead of "large-scale European support." "There was so much talk about a 'pivot towards Europe,' but in reality, most of the leaders of the 27 EU countries didn't even bother to come to this meeting—only three attended, and three more expressed support. It turns out we are destroying our traditional ties just to earn the smiles of a few European officials." The declaration also welcomes negotiations with Azerbaijan, but says nothing about Baku openly demanding changes to the Armenian constitution. By remaining silent about this and praising the authorities willing to take such a step, Europe is effectively giving the green light to interference in Armenia's internal affairs, an infringement on its sovereignty, and the realization of the ambitions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev," Ashotyan believes.

He noted that the text also makes no mention of the return of the forcibly displaced Artsakh residents, the Armenian prisoners of war held in Baku, or the occupied territories of Armenia. "What Brussels and Pashinyan call 'peace' actually means the unconditional fulfillment of the conditions dictated by Baku and Ankara," the RPA Deputy Chairman emphasized.

Ashotyan then spoke about the double standards surrounding the parliamentary elections held in the country. "It is claimed that the parliamentary elections held five months ago were held under conditions of Russian interference. But why is it that they are keeping silent about the fact that Western leaders visited Armenia on the eve of the elections, promised financial assistance, and openly supported the current government? Even foreign observers have documented this as creating an unequal playing field for participants in the electoral process. And that's not even mentioning the abuse of administrative resources, pressure, and persecution of the opposition, to which Europe simply turns a blind eye," Ashotyan noted.

The declaration, he said, also notes that "Russia has blocked the flow of Armenian goods and is threatening problems with gas supplies." In this regard, the RPA deputy chairman urged the question of what is being offered to Armenia in return. "Just €5 million in exemptions from European customs duties? Everyone understands perfectly well that our products won't be able to enter the European market with its strict standards overnight." Meanwhile, winter is already approaching, and the government has no affordable alternative to Russian gas. Moreover, there aren't even any clear promises or commitments to compensate Armenia for the severe and inevitable economic and social losses," the RPA Deputy Chairman noted. [The sentence appears to be incomplete and likely a mistranslation.] Given this, Ashotyan stated that simply "recognizing Armenia's European aspirations" alone won't protect the borders. "Pashinyan is destroying our security system, receiving in return only papers with beautifully worded statements that have no legal force. Armenia must no longer serve as a testing ground for conflict between Russia and the West. "We need a government that will pursue a reasonable and balanced policy, protect our Constitution and citizens' rights, and not trade our dignity for the applause of several European capitals," the RPA Deputy Chairman concluded.

As a reminder, on November 12, the leaders of the Core Support Group for Armenia issued a statement following a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which took place in Dublin on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit. The meeting was initially attended by leaders and representatives of Estonia, France, Latvia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. They were later joined by representatives of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission.