The announcement about the nomination of Vladimir Putin for the 2012 RF Presidential elections at once became a motivating factor in the inner political life of Armenia.
Long lasting strong influence of Russia on inner and external political issues of Armenia created instinct among us that events taking place in Russia must have their direct reflection in our country. According to the same concept the news about Putin’s nomination found immediate response and gave way to heated comments in inner political field of Armenia. And as far as parliamentary and presidential elections are anticipated in near future in Armenia, previsions are already made about the possible disposition of political powers. The opinion about the RA second president Robert Kocharyan’s return to the politics was animated again. The latter like Putin has the reputation of the one who prefers to play by brutal political rules. Local media speaks regularly about Kocharyan-Putin meetings. Besides, R. Kocharyan is unequivocally considered Russian-oriented in RA political circles. In this sense, the President Serzh Sargsyan seems to attempt to improve relations with western states, and Russia seems to be “jealous”. There are even rumors in inner political circles that during their meetings Kocharyan antagonizes Putin against the incumbent government, saying that Serzh and Tigran Sargsyans try to improve relations with the West and that in Armenia “the kind reputation” of Russian Federation was spoiled during their governance. On the other hand, after the 2008 presidential elections, there was an opinion that Kocharyan wanted to become Prime-minister following Putin’s example. And since this Russian model was not a success he criticizes the incumbent authorities in public. And now, Putin’s nomination may stimulate Kocharyan political ambitions. In this sense, of course, tension exists in RA inner political life. Naturally, the incumbent government and opposition is against Kocharyan’s activation in political life of Armenia. However, Kocharyan has certain political backbone and response to Russian political news will not be late. The media is overwhelmed by the information stating that the head of Prosperous Armenia party Gagik Tsarukyan is in Moscow and has had meetings with political elite, including the head of State Duma Boris Grizlov. There is an opinion that Prosperous Armenia and Armenian Revolutionary Federation are considered political parties supporting the President. They say, that Kocharyan was in Moscow these days as well. Putting together all this information it seems they attempt to create pressure in inner political system of Armenia. What influence Putin’s nomination will have on Armenia? Putin’s nomination was not a surprise for the member of “Free Democrats” political party, former minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Arzumanyan. According to him, it was simply done a bit earlier. And it demonstrates not Putin’s power but serious dangers existing in political elites of RF. “The acceleration of Putin’s nomination was a sign of weakness. One of its demonstrations was the story connected with Michael Prokhorov. They felt, that the third power may appear and they accelerated the nomination procedure and came to this solution. They used to say that various groups existed, that there was no final decision and that it was likely that Medvedev would be nominated again. This proves that the political elite felt danger to lose power and accelerated the decision,” said Arzumanyan. In his words, all the statements of the recent years of the Russian Federation government portray that the latter considers Armenia a country under its full influence, as a junior partner and as an outpost. “They must be really ashamed to state that Russia is their partner. But the processes of the recent years of Armenia indicate that the people do not tolerate this outlaw on part of the Armenian government. We hope that due to the efforts of the three years we will be able to oblige the government to consider the opinion of the people,” added Arzumanyan. “There can be no meaning at all. Russia is our strategic partner. Nothing can be seriously changed for us regardless of Putin’s or Medvedev’s tenure,” said a Prosperous Armenia MP Vardan Bostanjyan in regard of the developments of the Russian Federation. How would you comment on the statements of the media outlets in the influence of the Prosperous Armenia, according to which Putin has a special attitude to the Prosperous Armenia. “Russia has been a partner with Armenia for years and the same manner of relations continue. Russia is a big country. There are primary managers. They haven’t changed any scenarios. At any rate the media is trying to generate rumors. One doesn’t have to do with the other thing,” such an avoiding answer was given by Vardan Bostanjyan. What if Kocharyan becomes thrilled by the nomination of Putin and decides to run himself? Will the Prosperous Armenia cancel the declaration with the government and decided not to endorse Serzh Sargsyan but Kocharyan? “If anyone finds it possible they are welcome to think so,” curted Vardan Bostanjyan. “It is the people of Armenia to decide their own destiny. We will have what the people decide. Of course, the outside consequences may somewhat impact as well but the main decision lies within the people. As of Kocharyan, then he is the most forgotten and ignored politician,” says the chair of ANM bureau Aram Manukyan. And the Republicans think that Sargsyan has strengthened the ties with the Russian Federation during the last years. “It would be wrong to say that RPA or the President of Armenia minds the nomination of Putin or development of relations. Certain circles are trying to mingle and wish to see certain problems hidden in those relations. Let us not forget that during the tenure of Sargsyan the relations with Russia have become very developed with Russia. We neither had bad relation with Russia nor with Medvedev/Putin. As a statesman Sargsyan has great relations with Russia. If people are trying to find a big deal in small matters they have to stick to such rumors. Armenia has normal relations with all structures and states. We have always declared at various levels that Armenia always considers Russia its strategic partner. And the allegations that Sargsyan shifted his attention from Russia to west are merely false. There have been no official statements in this regard. So I’ll abstain as well,” said an RPA MP Hovhannes Sahakyan. As of the 2013 presidential elections and the possible nomination of Kocharyan then Sahakyan responded to that in the words of the former president, “Once he stated that when he decides to return he will personally declare that. As long as he hasn’t declared that I may assume that he will abstain from entering into politics.”