While during the past two days the Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan was speaking about the importance of the European integration and deepening of ties, and while in Yerevan there were opinions that this might have created certain jealousy within Russia, yesterday the Armenian government made a few decisions, through which it once again and for all reiterated its commitment and loyalty to the Russian government. “Between the Governments of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation in Moscow in the diplomatic representations of real property for the mutual agreement provision of the Russian Federation in accordance with executive compensation is provided by 3 hectares of land ownership. The total area of 495.9 square meters of buildings and structures together with (Arzakan, the "Aghveran" recreation base), the total area of 1.0 hectares of land, construction of the Ambassador’s residence (in northwestern district), Ashtarak-Yerevan highway, and "Vahagn" district in the neighborhood, the 156 square meters of land located at 13 Gregory the Illuminator , together with the building of the Embassy, Consular Section, and 158 square meters of land for the construction of the main portal, Gyumri Street home of Route # N 5/2 and the complex of buildings and structures located on land belonging to these complex,” this statement was made in the official statements section of the Armenian government under the title International Cooperation. However, there is one nuance, which shows that the Armenian government merely donates the above-mentioned territories to Russia. Officially they say that Armenia gives all the territories to Russia based on the reciprocity principle. It means that as a result Armenia will receive the building of the Russian Embassy. But this mildly said doesn’t conform to reality. But according to Deputy FM Shavarsh Kocharyan, since Russian legislation does not permit the alienation of property, Armenia will receive the given area for a symbolic amount and a 100-year right to use. And in return, the Russian Embassy will be allocated its adjoining 300-m3 land. Also, a building will be purchased for the Russian Consulate in Gyumri city. In addition, the three-hectare Aghveran Recreation Base—which until then was given to the Russian Embassy for a 49-year free use—will be allotted to Russia. And a one-hectare land will be set aside, in a Yerevan suburb, for the construction of the Russian ambassador’s residence. Meanwhile, as seen from the decision of the property right is granted free of charge. In this case is, of course, it is not that of donation of the real estate and the vast areas of the embassy building in Moscow with the incomparable, even if the latter is given the right of ownership and free of charge. The problem is that this step one more time shows that Armenia is forever a Russian outpost, bridgehead and district, and shows the commitment of Armenia to conducting policies in favor of Russia. Perhaps this assessment seems exaggerated, because opinions are heard, that such "gestures" of the authorities are aimed at to mitigating Russia’s jealous or anger to Western European integration and the deepening of relations. This is not excluded either. However, if Armenia has lost so much its sovereignty of making independent decisions and should “pay” to Russia for every step it is quite possible that Armenia may not have any property right after it becomes an associated member of the European Union.
