ArmInfo. There have always been fluctuations in public sentiment regarding Russia in Armenia. And, as a rule, they are always caused by specific reasons. President of Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan expressed a similar opinion to ArmInfo.
"Gas prices, reports and articles on Russian media, statements by Russian officials on the settlement of the conflict over Artsakh - all this has always influenced and affected the public sentiment and perception of Russia in Armenia. In any case, Russia is still perceived in Armenia as a strategic ally. And there are no changes in this matter, "he stressed.
The expert considers the main problem in the Armenian-Russian relations the absence of changes over the past 2 years. The problem is the absence of even attempts by Yerevan to diversify relations with Moscow through deepening relations with other geopolitical centers. The latter, according to Navasardyan, is needed, also for making Armenia-Russia relations more effective.
The expert is convinced that Russia, like any other country, behaves with its partner or ally 100% depending on it not as much benignly as it would have behaved with a partner or ally who has an alternative or even alternatives. According to Navasardyan, showing loyalty to Russia and not even trying to diversify relations with Moscow with relations with other centers of power, Armenia will never receive the support that it expects from a strategic ally.
The latter, in turn, in his words, impedes the development of Armenia in various directions. Navasardyan believes that it may be difficult for Armenia to find an alternative to Russia in ensuring security and energy cooperation. However, no serious assistance should be expected from Moscow in all those issues related to reforms in the field of public administration and the formation of new institutions.
"In these areas, we need to develop relations with other countries. Especially given their repeatedly emphasized readiness for such cooperation. In particular, after the" velvet "revolution in Armenia. Unfortunately, we have already missed several of these opportunities," the YPC President summed up.