Sargsyan-Putin Conversation Example of Vassal Relations: Raffi Hovannisian

The phone conversation between acting president of the Republic of Armenia who was not elected by the people Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin reflects the vertical vassal relationship with which Russia views Armenia, as well as being the Armenian authorities' self-assessment. This was the opinion expressed by Heritage Party leader Raffi Hovannisian, speaking to members of the media today. 

"I believe that the initiative and content of that telephone conversation do not stem from Armenia's interests. It was untimely, and, in my opinion, it would be worth thinking about some things at least based on events abroad. First, it would be better for Armenia's de facto authorities to recognize the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh with all its borders and not rejoice that there will or won't be yet another working precedent. It would be good for the Republic of Armenia's de facto leaders to think about Armenia. Beginning from the West, continuing with Russia, and ending with Armenia, no one has recognized Nagorno Karabakh," he said. 

The opposition party leader said he advocates Armenia's security being guaranteed through bilateral relations. "Regardless of whether the name is CSTO, CIS, or Customs Union, Armenia is a full member, but we don't use our presence there to impact decision-making. Yes, we're small, we have unresolved issues, and we quietly follow; meanwhile, not being a CSTO member Azerbaijan in the West will consistently compare Crimea to Artsakh. We have a question of the integrity of Artsakh and Armenia has to be the first one to do it, and when [Artsakh] will be recognized by Russia, Ukraine, then we'll talk," he concluded.