So... which countries are our "friends"?

[TomServo]

If Israel hates us so much, Turkey doesn't like us, Azerbaijan hates us, USA/UK aren't helping much, which countries are actually with us and on our side? I mean socially and economically. Is it only Russia? When I was in Armenia many of the buses and stuff were German. Can we consider Germany on our side?

Sorry, I'm a complete newbie to all this, I just want to know which countries actually support us...

[Armenian]

Armenians need to realize that there is no such thing as *friends* in politics.

Nations will support us if its in there interest to do so. Thus far, prosperity of Armenia is not in the best long term interests of Ankara, Tel Aviv and Washington.

A strong Armenia, on the other hand, is in the short term and long term interests of Iran, Russia and perhaps the EU.

[TomServo]

Armenians need to realize that there is no such thing as *friends* in politics.

That's why I put it in quotations.

[skhara]

perhaps the EU.

Don't count on it. EU's interest isn't all that different for Washingtons. They do not necessarily oppose each other at all.

And I don't know how much Russia is interested in Armenia's prosperity. Russia practically owns everything in Armenia and I'm sure their main interest is keeping a friendly foothold in Southern Caucasus. Iran is interested in Armenia because of Azeris and Turks, and because an economically prosperous Armenia mean improved economic opportunities for Iran.

[TomServo]

And what about Germany?

[Armenian]

And what about Germany?

Several million Turks living in Germany have firmly established themselves within many layers of German society.

German/Turkish trade is very large. Also, many of the German politicians have serious business holdings within Turkey. As far as I can see, Germany can not openly support Armenia by going against Turks.

Its not in their best interest to do so.

[Ani_]

Don't count on it. EU's interest isn't all that different for Washingtons. They do not necessarily oppose each other at all.

Agreed.

And I don't know how much Russia is interested in Armenia's prosperity. Russia practically owns everything in Armenia and I'm sure their main interest is keeping a friendly foothold in Southern Caucasus.

Prosperity and stability in Armenia are very much an interest of Russia as their closest, most reliable ally and partner and it goes beyond economic and pragmatic considerations to brotherly friendship.

Iran is interested in Armenia because of Azeris and Turks, and because an economically prosperous Armenia mean improved economic opportunities for Iran.

Many possibiliites for mutually advantageous opportunities and interests.

[Thai-Samurai]

US SENATE APPROVED OF $75 MILLION IN AID TO ARMENIA IN 2006

21.07.2005 02:59

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The U.S. Senate Wednesday voted 98 to 1 to approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which recommends $75 million in assistance to Armenia and an additional $3 million in humanitarian aid to Nagorno Karabakh. The overall assistance will make $31.8 billion. The level of funding, equivalent to the amount Armenia received in 2005, reflects a $20 million increase over the Administration request to Congress made earlier this year. The vote also allocated $5 million in Foreign Military Financing and $750,000 for International Military Education and Training to Armenia. It should be noted that Armenia's neighbors, Georgia and Azerbaijan, are set to receive $70.5 million and $38 million respectively. The next step in the legislative process is for the House and Senate to reconcile the differences in a conference committee.


we've been getting about $70 million a year from America so far.

[TomServo]

I think Israel gets 3 billion a year?

[Chico]

Armenians need to realize that there is no such thing as *friends* in politics.

Nations will support us if its in there interest to do so. Thus far, prosperity of Armenia is not in the best long term interests of Ankara, Tel Aviv and Washington.

A strong Armenia, on the other hand, is in the short term and long term interests of Iran, Russia and perhaps the EU.

We sure found out who our "freinds" were right after WWI.