Russia or U.S?

[Ari]

I've been reading in the news that Armenia doesnt want to pick sides, It was about joining Nato. If we were to join Nato I dont think Russia would like that.

This was in talks after Georgia joined

What are your thoughts join Nato or not?

[skhara]

Re: Russia or U.S?

Impossible. Armenia's strategic alignment can only be with Russia.

[Tanistlin]

Re: Russia or U.S?

I don'T think so..
You don't ignore the Turkey reality at the middle of these terms...If we look at the relationships between EU-Turkey and Russia-Turkey, we see that Russia-Turkey relations are more shiny than it was in the past.EU can betray Turkey but Russia cannot-at least for now-..It means an Armenian-EU relationship is more reasonable for Armenia.Russia still holds the isolation that surrounds your country. In the other way,EU is in a "line" crisis. They are working to recognize the true "lines" of EU and even Turkey can be out of that "lines" in the future.And if it so, Armenia wont be in that lines too..

[Tanistlin]

Re: Russia or U.S?

I don'T think so..
You don't ignore the Turkey reality at the middle of these terms...If we look at the relationships between EU-Turkey and Russia-Turkey, we see that Russia-Turkey relations are more shiny than it was in the past.EU can betray Turkey but Russia cannot-at least for now-..It means an Armenian-EU relationship is more reasonable for Armenia.Russia still holds the isolation that surrounds your country. In the other way,EU is in a "line" crisis. They are working to recognize the true "lines" of EU and even Turkey can be out of that "lines" in the future.And if it so, Armenia wont be in that lines too..

I'm sorry for misunderstood,I saw it's like "Russia or EU",not "Russia or U.S."..my fault..sorry

[Selpak]

Re: Russia or U.S?

Armenian relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan is disaster. Armenian relations with Georgia is cold. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia are very important countires in US's energy policy. And these 3 countries are close to each others. Russia feeds Armenian economy and army. Armenia would corrupt without Russian aids. Armenian's relations with Iran is getting better while US's is becoming an enemy to Iran. So, "Russia or US?" question doesn't make any sense. Armenia is with Russia. And she must remain so.

[Armenian]

Re: Russia or U.S?

Armenia's strategic alignment can only be with Russia.

Any suggestion otherwise is simply suicidal for the Armenian Republic.

The United States is not even a real factor here. At best, the US has temporary "economic" interests within the region. What's more, Washington DC is firmly in bed with our historic enemies, they don't need us for anything. Nonetheless, the US empire is on a steady decline. The future of global geopolitics will be owned by Russia and China with Iran and India playing supporting roles.

The concerning fact here, however, is that Russo-Turkish trade is reaching 30 billion USD per year, while their trade with Armenia is barely five hundred million USD. And there is also a future threat that Azerbaijan can somehow make an "oil" deal with Russia, one that may undermine Russo-Armenian relations.

The hard reality today is that we need Moscow much more than they need us. Thus far, they have been with us simply because of longterm strategic calculations. Moscow sees us as a balancing power within the volatile region, a region that directly impacts the Russian Federation. As a result, regardless of how lucrative dealing with Turks may be, Moscow would rather have a nation like Armenia in their backyard protecting their national interests.

In essence, we are hanging on a thin line here.

And that is why I get extremely upset at those ignorant fools who want Armenia to forcefully break away from Moscow's orbit. Such talk is extremely irresponsible and dangerous. We simply do not have another choice in this matter. The Caucasus is a very dangerous and complicated place and three of our four neighbors are openly hostile towards us. As a result, we must do everything in our power to maintain Moscow's interest in our existence, and the same applies to Iran as well.

Since politics is an ugly business, our dependence on Moscow will come at a price - loss of political independence.

More on Russo-Armenian Relations: http://forum.hayary.org/viewtopic.php?t=142

[Selpak]

Re: Russia or U.S?

In terms of politics and economics Turkey is always more important than Armenia for now and for future.