Russia Extending its Military Presence in Armenia Could Cause Rebellious Wave

Karine Danielyan, head of the Association for Human Sustainable Development NGO in Armenia, finds that public opinion goes three ways on the matter of Russia extending its contract for its military base in Armenia.

At a press conference today, Danielyan said that the first opinion is that the step is a positive one: Russia is taking Armenia under its “military wing,” Armenia’s military potential strengthens, the country is secured and there’s no issue of Armenia losing its sovereignty. 

The second opinion is entirely negative: this is a bad step, it’s the end of complementary policy, Armenia becomes Russia’s appendage. According to the environmentalist, the group of individuals who hold this opinion also connect the issue of foreign-language schools in Armenia with seeking Russia’s dominance.

Finally, the third opinion Danielyan has heard is that yes, the decision is good, Armenia’s security level increases, but caution must be exercised, hope shouldn’t be placed solely on Russia, and it’s necessary to adopt a cautious foreign policy. 

According to Danielyan, these three public opinions will be expressed even more strongly in the near future and it’s possible that the second group of individuals will raise a wave of rebellion.