Robert Kocharyan: Small states like Armenia must pursue a cautious,  flexible, and pragmatic policy

ArmInfo.  Small states like Armenia must pursue a cautious, flexible, and pragmatic policy, as stated by second President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharyan at a press conference on January 29.

According to him, such a policy is not observed in present-day  Armenia. Moreover, Yerevan frequently makes statements about  so-called hybrid wars, which are believed to be led by Russia.

In such cases, as Robert Kocharyan noted, US President Donald Trump  acts directly and openly. If he does not like the performance of a  certain leader, including among partner countries, he immediately  announces the imposition of 80% tariffs on such countries. And this,  as the ex-president pointed out, is working, since after negotiations  the threat of 80% tariffs is reduced to 25%. "Now, let's imagine that  Russia follows a similar path toward countries historically  classified as within Russia's sphere of influence. We can tolerate  such behavior from Trump, but certainly not from Russia. And all  because Moscow has pursued a policy toward Yerevan that makes such a  development difficult to imagine today.

Meanwhile, Russia's leverage over Armenia is enormous. A single move  against our agricultural products would be sufficient. Almost all of  these products are sent to the Russian Federation. Imagine if Russia  takes such a step as part of a hybrid war? I'd like to remind you  how, in July 2019, a Georgian journalist made offensive statements  about Russia and its president. Trade and economic cooperation was  immediately suspended, civil aviation flights were suspended, which  led to colossal losses for Georgian businesses, and the country's  tourist season practically ended.

Then the journalist was fired, an apology was issued, and every  Georgian citizen realized to  what extent their well-being depends on  the Russian Federation," Robert Kocharyan noted, pointing out  Moscow's patient attitude toward Yerevan and the Armenian people. He  emphasized that the top eight companies out of the top ten taxpayers  are directly involved in business with Russia.