Regional developments pose challenge also for Armenia – ARF-D politician sums up 2016

Regional developments – Turkey, Syria, Iraq, as well as the West’s attitude to Iran – are, to an extent, challenges to and opportunities for Armenia, Giro Manoyan, Director of the International Secretariat (Central Hai Dat office) of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF-D) Bureau in Yerevan, told reporters on Monday.

“Specifically, we have seen agreements reached during the Iranian president’s visit to Armenia, which are evidence of the close Armenian-Iranian relations, which have potential for development and further work has to be done,” Mr Manoyan said. He points out some uncertainties in Turkey’s case. “Turkey is a state that reserves itself a right to take actions without international decisions, going beyond the limits, which arouses our concern. So we should be on the alert.”

Manoyan also addressed the Armenia-Russia relations which he said saw a certain progress despite the belated delivery of the promised weapons to Armenia. “But in the frameworks of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, our fair expectation to assume the Secretary General’s position did not come true. That’s a sign that the member states are not enthusiastic about Armenia’s potential success,” he added.

The politician also commented upon the expectations from the United States. “After the new president takes office next month, we will see what policies he will pursue with respect to the region, Turkey, Russia, Iran, and naturally - Armenia. It may be problematic and open up opportunities.”

But we are in a wait-and-see position with respect to our relations with the United States, Manoyan noted. “What the European Union expects is how the elections will be conducted to later sign the agreement accordingly. To the best of my knowledge, that agreement is almost complete, but the moment of signing will be after the election depending on its quality,” he added.