YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The Communist Party of Armenia will cooperate with president-elect Robert Kocharian on all issues regarding national security–economic and social development–CPA leader Sergey Badalian told Noyan Tapan.
Badalian assumed that the foreign policy of the new president will have much in common with his party’s position. He voiced confidence that the president of Armenia will pursue foreign policy aimed at speeding up the process of integration with Russia–expanding cooperation with the CIS and other countries of the world.
Badalian stressed that the CPA and Kocharian have no differences over the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. "We both reject defeatist sentimen’s and are of the same opinion that it is necessary to ensure the dignity of our people," said Badalian.
Badalian argued that dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan should be based on nations’ right to self-determination. The CPA leader said Kocharian "is not programmed for war," as some allege. Badalian advocated a flexible and pragmatic policy on the given issue. The CPA will use all of its international prestige to arrive at a solution acceptable to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Regarding super power interests in the region–Badalian said that Armenia "should not adjust itself to anyone’s wishes or whims." He stressed that Armenia has to pay attention to the situation in Russia–Armenia’s major geopolitical ally.
"We must keep pointing out to Russia its interests in the region–this is what our foreign political conception should be based on…The influence of Armenia cannot be determined by the fact that it is a spot on the globe. Its influence is somewhat higher." Badalian voiced optimism that Kocharian build his policies proceeding from these positions.