Pundit slams Armenian government for lack of professionalism in foreign policy Expert describes Armenia's attempts to change its owner

The anti-Russian steps of the Armenian government are connected with a lack of professionalism rather than the real possibility of changing the foreign policy, Armenian expert on international relations Suren Sargsyan has said.

“Not only the Armenia-Russia relations have deteriorated, there is no progress in cooperation with other actors, the US, the EU, Iran or China. When countries usually intend to change their foreign policy vector, at the initial stage, relations with a different vector are intensified to have an opportunity to spoil relations with the current vector. It is illogical to spoil relations with a strategic ally without intensifying relations with another country. This concerns not only Armenia but any country,” Sargsyan said during the Review programme, Caliber.Az reports citing the Armenian media.

“The relations between Armenia and the US haven't moved from a dead point over the past five years. From the point of view of both military-political and economic cooperation between Armenia and the US, there is no agenda. For the US, Armenia is the 160th trading partner among 193 countries. This is a very important indicator, especially concerning the US. Our common agenda with the US includes the US assistance provided to us,” he said.

Sargsyan also drew attention to the fact that the government’s agenda does not include the goal of integrating into the EU and NATO. The Armenian authorities have never declared any intention to move in this direction.

“Moreover, it is important to understand whether the EU and NATO are waiting for us or not. For example, Georgia has been working in this sphere for many years, carrying out many reforms, but it has not succeeded yet. Accordingly, Armenia also cannot ensure this within 10 days,” the expert said.

“Currently, Armenia’s relations are bad not only with Moscow, but also with Washington, Brussels, Tehran and Beijing. The matter rests not only in Moscow. I would call this the result of unprofessional work,” Sargsyan said, adding that even if the Armenian authorities intend to change their foreign policy, at the moment there are no foundations for this.