Russian experts label Armenian PM, his entourage as traitors Anti-Russian sentiment sparks concerns

The young representatives of the National Democratic Pole held a rally near the main headquarters of the Russian border troops in Armenia on February 23, which is celebrated in Russia as Defender of the Fatherland Day. Armenian Nazis spread the news on social networks that the National Democratic Pole’s participants presented a holey and worn-out boot to the Russians as a gift. During the rally, the Armenians also promised that they would get rid of Russia’s influence. The rally participants held such posters in their hands as “Russian occupier, get out of Armenia”, “Russian peacekeepers bring death”, and “War criminals”.

It seems that the “spontaneous” rally was carried out at the behest of the Armenian authorities, who are now actively establishing relations with France. Moreover, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan himself voiced several anti-Russian statements in Paris.

How is Russia reacting to a new wave of anti-Russian sentiment in Armenia, which may surpass previous outbreaks of Russophobic sentiment in Armenia? How will relations between Russia and Armenia develop then? The Russian political analysts answered these questions for Caliber.Az.

Founder of the PolitRUS expert and analytical network Vitaly Arkov said that provocations against the Russian military in Armenia and an interview with Pashinyan in Paris are not a coincidence, but components of one big campaign which is carried out by the US and France to push Russia out of the South Caucasus.

“Ever since the presidency of Serzh Sargsyan, it has become obvious that large-scale anti-Russian provocations in Armenia are carried out in accordance with the permission or even upon the direct orders of the Armenian authorities. If Sargsyan and his team similarly extorted additional ‘loans’ from Moscow, which were not returned and were mostly embezzled in Yerevan, then Pashinyan is following the commands of his new Western masters. Therefore, scandalous statements were made during a visit in France, where, according to some reports, the Armenian prime minister’s wife Anna Hakobyan has already bought a luxurious chateau, a penthouse and a hotel in Paris,” the political analyst noted.

Arkov noted that of course, the decision on membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) is the sovereign right of Armenia, as well as the position on extending the period of activity of the Russian military on its territory. However, Yerevan did not notify the governing bodies of the CSTO about its decision and did not previously raise the topic of the 102nd Russian military base in a dialogue with Moscow.

“That is, Pashinyan’s recent behaviour is, at a minimum, a violation of the rules of partnership generally accepted in the world community. In reality, this is a confirmation of the complete dependence of Pashinyan’s government on the instructions of France and the US,” the political analyst emphasised.

Arkov noted that Russian politicians and experts, including official representatives of the Russian president and the foreign ministry, assess the situation. However, the Kremlin’s main response will be non-public and it will be definitely made.

“Russia is known for assisting true friends and punishing traitors harshly. Pashinyan and his retinue are traitors. The Armenian people have a centuries-old friendship with the Russian people. Such people as Pashinyan and Macron can not ruin it,” he added.

Another Russian writer, political analyst Kirill Sitnikov said that Armenia has always been considered a very unreliable partner of Russia. Russia experienced Armenian treachery in different years of its history.

“Of course, Russia has centuries-old and friendly ties with the Armenian people, and we value them. However, at the same time, there was such a concept as ‘Armenian treachery’ in Russia in the past. I will not cite famous Russian poets on this issue, but great Russian writer and playwright Aleksandr Griboyedov died in Tehran due to Armenian intrigues,” he said.

“Griboyedov, by an unfortunate coincidence, helped the Armenians to resettle in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh. Of course, the Armenians’ guilt in Griboyedov’s death is a topic of discussion. How often did the Armenians thank the great Russian writer for his deeds? How often did they express sympathy for his tragic death? I have rarely seen such facts,” Sitnikov noted.

The political analyst said that the famous fact dedicated to the resettlement of Armenians in Karabakh was hidden by the Armenians themselves apparently, because this is great evidence of Great Armenian chauvinism. That is why Armenians so rarely remember Griboyedov, because his name is closely connected with the facts that Armenians cannot claim the territory of the South Caucasus, being a nation resettled there.

“Therefore, when Armenians say about the ‘Russian influence’, I would like to note only one thing. Once Russia brought Armenians to the lands of present-day Armenia and for many years was the guarantor of their security. So Russia may easily stop guaranteeing Armenians’ security. In fact, these ‘ancient’ people have nowhere to go. Historians cannot even tell us about the ancient homeland of the Armenians. The Armenians were always outcasts everywhere,” Sitnikov added.