Armenia Seeks Western Support as Relations With Russia Deteriorate

The Wall Street Journal: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia is seeking new partners because Moscow failed to fulfill its obligations as an ally during Azerbaijan’s takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh. “These events have essentially brought us to a decision that we need to diversify our relationships in the security sphere, and we are trying to do that now,” he said. He added that in this regard he sees no advantage in keeping Russian military bases in Armenia.

▪️ Asked whether statements in Moscow worry him and whether he fears that the Kremlin might try to oust him, Pashinyan did not hide his displeasure. “Such an approach violates many rules, starting with non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and diplomatic correctness,” he said.

▪️ In the interview, Pashinyan said he remains optimistic about the prospects for a peaceful settlement with Azerbaijan in the coming months. He said the future of the region should involve the opening of long-closed borders and trade routes, including land links between Azerbaijan and Turkey via Armenia, provided Armenian sovereignty is respected.

▪️ Asked about the country’s historical relations with Russia, Pashinyan called for focusing on Armenia’s much longer history with its Turkic neighbors Turkey and Azerbaijan. “This is where all the questions lie, and this is where the answers to all the questions lie,” he said. “We should work first to improve our regional relations.”

The entire article can be read at the link Armenia Seeks Western Support as Relations With Russia Deteriorate – WSJ