Yerevan wants to change relations with Moscow, but not to break them
Relations between Armenia and Russia need to be transformed, but this should not lead to a rupture.
This opinion was expressed by the head of the standing committee on foreign relations of Armenia's parliament, Sargis Khandanyan, speaking at the Apri Armenia forum.
According to him, events have taken place in Armenia that indicate that Russia cannot be a guarantor of the republic's security. In addition, the conflict in the region is over, and peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Khandanyan believes.
"All these circumstances must be taken into account and our relations must be brought into line with the new reality. This does not mean that there should be a rupture between Armenia and Russia. On the contrary, Armenian-Russian relations have great potential for development, but on the condition that the Russian Federation will respect Armenia's sovereign decisions," the parliamentarian said.
According to him, Yerevan will continue to discuss existing problems with Russia, including economic issues, and try to resolve them in a calm atmosphere through negotiations.
As the deputy noted, Armenia needs to resolve a number of key strategic tasks, in particular those related to the unblocking and opening of regional infrastructure. From this point of view, Yerevan needs to resolve the issue of railways, Khandanyan said.
"On the one hand, the implementation of the TRIPP program opens up great opportunities for unblocking. On the other hand, if TRIPP remains the only operating project from the point of view of unblocking infrastructure, then we will have problems," he stated.
In the parliamentarian's opinion, the republic's railway infrastructure should ensure Armenia's connection with the outside world.
He expressed hope that this issue can be resolved with partners in a friendly and calm atmosphere.
The agenda of Armenian-Russian relations is very extensive, and Yerevan intends to work on all the issues included in it, the head of the parliamentary committee added.
Source: Sputnik Armenia
