Pundit: Armenia should not pin high hopes on France

Armenian political analyst David Harutyunov has said that it is clear that Armenia and France are developing military-technical cooperation amid alternative options for the purchase of weapons by Yerevan.

“Previously, Armenia obtained weapons from Russia. Presently, there are great challenges due to the Ukrainian conflict,” Harutyunov said in an interview with the Armenian media, Caliber.Az reports.

“Along with military cooperation with France, both countries also cooperate in the political sphere. Yerevan is trying to stabilise the unfavourable balance of power in the region and get out of isolation through France because we see that Türkiye and Azerbaijan have a common position, while Russia, an ally of Armenia, is manoeuvring as Iran,” he noted.

“Moreover, France acts as a diplomatic guide of events that Yerevan is implementing to intensify relations with the West. Of course, France has interests here. An attempt is being made to strengthen the position of Paris in the region through Armenia and ensure the presence of France. This model was previously applied by France in the Middle East, North Africa, etc., there was a specific country with which France had historical ties, and based on which Paris tried to actively operate in the region. The activity of Paris, besides its own interests, is integrated into more global Western measures aimed at weakening Russia’s influence in the region,” Harutyunov said.

“The fact that France supports Armenia is positive, but, on the other hand, it is necessary to evaluate this support realistically and not to pin great hopes. France's activity is not so effective yet, as it has been unable to neutralise the military threat from Azerbaijan. On the other hand, Azerbaijan quickly withdraws from all formats in which France participates,” the political analyst said.