YEREVAN (ArmRadio)—Armenia’s membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led military alliance, and in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), a Russian-led economic bloc, is no obstacle for further development of relations with NATO, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia, James Appathurai, told reporters in Yerevan.
“We respect Armenia’s balanced foreign policy and the fact that Armenia is a member of CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union in no way holds us back from practical cooperation,” Appathurai said.
Before the press conference, the NATO official held meetings with Armenia’s President, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister, as well as with members of the National Assembly.
“I conveyed NATO’s thanks for the contributions that Armenian forces are making in Afghanistan, in Kosovo, and at other UN missions. Armenia was the first country in the South Caucasus to join the new mission in Afghanistan. It’s another sign of Armenia’s reliable contributions to international peace and stability,” Appathurai said.
As for regional security issues, Appathurai said, “Of course, NATO is not involved in the Karabakh conflict resolution process, but we look forward to a peaceful and diplomatic resolution as soon as possible.”
He said the recent incidents at the conflict zone are worrying. “We fully support the Minsk Group and their efforts,” Appathurai said.
Speaking about the killing of a family of six in Gyumri by a Russian military serviceman, the NATO representative said, “First, this is a terrible human tragedy. Secondly, we have full confidence that the authorities here will find the appropriate solution to this difficult situation.”
In Appathurai’s meeting with Armenia’s Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian, the two parties emphasized the need to maintain the development of relations, with its main goals being defense reforms and military education and training.
Everyone is trying to extend a hand to help Armenia loose from the suffocating bear hug. We must be smart and take advantage of the opportunities. We know that the West is not our friend, but in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, it’s mostly based on mutual interests. Naively believing in some kind on Orthodox brotherhood or other nonsense and surrendering our rights is a foolish and misguided policy. We must play our cards right in order to take advantage of this unique situation. The competing powers don’t give a damn about Armenia or Armenians, but what they do care about is their interests. We’ll gladly trade our interests for their interests if they want to cooperate with us, otherwise, we’ll have to move on to the next highest bidder. This is the way the world functions, there is no known other way to survive in this competitive world.
Then , why is that NATO is supportorting the Genocidal Turkey. Who is fooling whom!
Armenia can offer Western Armenia to NATO.
As long as Armenia flirts with the West Armenia will remain in danger of collapsing one day.
Western Armenia collapsed a very long time ago. Eastern Armenia is next if you keep up this Russia-only game that you’ve hopelessly pinned all of your aspirations onto.
I agree.