Armenia Joins Russian Led Customs Union - October, 2013

For several years Yerevan had been signalling that is was willing to - and was in fact preparing to - enter into a closer relationship with the European Union (EU). European officials had increased their contacts with high ranking Armenian officials in recent months and Yerevan was being widely expected to sign a cooperation document with the EU this November.

Some political observers, however, had been of the opinion that Yerevan's overtures to the EU was a ploy and that it was being jointly coordinated with Moscow. Some political observers also felt that Yerevan was trying to gain maximum benefit by dealing with both sides but would ultimately drop the EU and seek closer economic cooperation with Moscow.

Moscow officials must have known that despite what happened Yerevan would be going nowhere. After all, the strategic Caucasus has traditionally been recognized as Russia's zone of influence and, as we saw during the summer of 2008, Moscow showed the global community that it is willing to go to great lengths and resort to drastic measures if need be to stop a Western foothold from forming in the region. With Turks patiently waiting on both sides of the Armenian borders, with the Middle East on the verge of exploding, what Armenian official in his right mind would seek to anger the Russian Bear?

European and American officials, however, were naively hoping that with a lot of empty promises as well as dissemination of anti-Russian propaganda in Armenia - and perhaps some money under the table - Yerevan could be somehow convinced to embrace the EU. This hope of theirs was essentially why they tolerated the Sargsyan administration in recent years.
 
To the utter dismay of American imperialists, Eurofags, Armenia's opposition chobans, Western activists in Armenia and nationalist nutjobs in the Diaspora, President Sargsyan showed his courage, foresight and political prudence by taking the opportunity during his September 3 visit to Moscow to surprise everyone by publicly announcing his decision to join the Russian-led Customs Union (thought to be a gateway to the Eurasian Union).

In my opinion, a proven grossmeister in politics, President Sargsyan was able to manipulate EU officials. By leading them on for several years, President Sargsyan was able to effectively neutralize them during times when he was most vulnerable - specifically during the last presidential elections, during which Washington's political operatives in Armenia were constantly putting the pressure on him. Now that it's quite obvious that President Sargsyan played them like a cheep fiddle, Western officials will earnestly begin their propaganda assault against him... But it's too late.

The only thing that surprised me about President Sargsyan's announcement was its timing. I did not think President Sargsyan would announce his decision this early. President Sargsyan's government wanted to play the "complimentary" card as long as possible. Yerevan wanted to extract maximum benefit from both sides of the political fence. But it was time, as it seems. 

I personally think the early announcement was because of the volatile geopolitical climate prevailing in the region. As I have pointed out on numerous previous occasions, Armenia, which hosts a significant Russian military presence, is located very near the Middle Eastern powder keg. And, needless to say, there is an air or urgency in Moscow. At a time when Moscow is desperately trying to ward-off a Western aggression against Syria and Iran, and secure its zones of influence throughout Eurasia from Western inroads, Russian officials seemed to have had enough of Yerevan's flirtations with the West (regardless of Yerevan's true intentions). 

Although Yerevan would have willingly joined the Moscow-led Customs Union eventually, I personally think that the September 3 announcement was essentially due to political pressure from Moscow as a result of the region's political tensions and Moscow's burning desire to reinsert direct influence in former Soviet territory.
 
On September 4, merely a day after the historic announcement by President Sargsyan, Western activists in Armenia organized a small but noisy protest against the president's decision in front of the presidential palace in Yerevan during which some of them clashed with the police. Needless to say, many of Armenia's Captain Americas (including Washington's longest serving operative in Armenia, Paruyr Hayrikian) were present to spew their political illiteracy, Russophobic hysteria and hate rhetoric. Interestingly, an Amnesty International report stated that during the evening of September 5, merely a day after the protest at the presidential palace, two participating activists, Haykak Arshamian and Suren Saghatelian, were severely beaten by unknown assailants.

I can only hope at this point that the beatings in question were directly connected to Haykak's and Suren's well known professions as anti-Russian propagandists in Armenia. Incidentally, this Haykak was the same Haykak that wrote the following article in the rabidly anti-Russian opposition propaganda outlets known as Lragir about two years ago -

I had responded to his Russophobic nonsense in the following blog commentary -

I sincerely hope that suppressive actions against Western activists will become more frequent, now that the region of the world where Armenia is located in is on the verge of a major war as a direct result of Haykak's and Suren's spiritual bosses in Washington, London, Brussels, Ankara and Tel Aviv. Therefore, what happened to Haykak and Suren after their anti-Russian protest in front of the Presidential Palace in Yerevan may be good news and I hope hear more such good news in the future.

But, there is even better news. A day after the historic announcement by President Sargsyan, Eurasian Development Bank’s Deputy President Sergei Shatalov officially announced that his bank will be willing to allocate $100,000,000 to Armenia for the construction of the strategic north-south highway -
This is really good news for those who thought Moscow is only capable of pursuing aggressive politics for here we clearly see Russian 'soft power' at work. If all goes well, I have a strong feeling that next on Moscow's soft power list will be the realization of a Russian-sponsored strategic railway that is envisioned to traverse Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran.

And sure enough, on September 6, this piece of good news came out -
Iranian, Russian, Chinese companies interested in participating in construction of Armenia-Iran railway: http://en.trend.az/regions/scaucasus/armenia/2186987.html

That wasn't all: On September 9 and 10 the following three pieces of news made headlines -


Armenia seeks observer status in Shanghai Cooperation Organization: http://en.rian.ru/world/20130910/183345225/Armenia-Seeks-SCO-Observer-Status.html

China to Provide Additional $16-Million Grant to Armenia: http://news.am/eng/news/170588.html

Moscow recently announced it will lift the 30% tariff on its gas deliveries to Armenia and has offered to subsidize Armenia's nuclear power plant. There is renewed interest in promoting Russian language schools in Armenia. In a sign that there has been a serious deepening of Russian-Armenian military relations, the Russian commander of the 102nd military base in Gyumri, Armenia said in an interview that Russian forces may intervene to protect - Artsakh - from an Azeri attack. In a sign that there is a serious deepening of Russian-Armenian business relations, it was announced that more than 500 business leaders from Russia will be visiting Armenia for a business forum scheduled to be held in early December. And just recently, Russian-Armenian tycoon Ara Abrahamyan announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a state visit to Armenia, also in early December -
Putin to visit Armenia next month, says Russian-Armenian tycoon: http://armenianow.com/news/49857/armenia_visit_president_putin_sargsyan_ara_abrahamyan
Several of the news reports in question are posted on this page. Make no mistake about it, all these new developments are connected to Yerevan's decision to embrace Moscow's Customs Union.

Regarding the oft asked question:"why couldn't Armenia trade with both economic zones?"

Although our Russophobes claim that Moscow has been using strong-arm tactics to pull Yerevan away from the EU, it has in fact been European officials that have been placing strong preconditions on Yerevan. Armenian officials have expressed - and continue to express - their strong desire to have close ties with both economic blocs. Western officials, however, have been publicly claiming that Yerevan's entry into an economic pact overseen by Moscow will disqualify it from any dealings with the EU.  

Nevertheless, regardless of what Yerevan wanted, Brussels wanted Armenia without Russia and Russia wanted Armenia without Brussels. In other words, Armenia was dealing with jealous partners with no desire to share anything. Therefore, Armenia could not have its desired ménage à trios.

Thus, in the big picture, Armenia had no choice in the matter. This was, from the start, an arranged marriage between Moscow and Yerevan. Although arranged, I am however very happy about the partner in question. 

As a partner, Russia may not be perfect (then again, who is, the West?) but it has been a very good provider for an embattled Armenia in a nasty place like the south Caucasus for the past two hundred years. [In fact, October 12, 2013 was the two hundredth anniversary of the Treaty of Gulistan which saw the liberation of Artsakh from Islamic, Persian rule by Czarist Russia.] Russia may also be an overly jealous partner - and it does act brutish at times - but it knows how to protect its turf and we Armenians knows how deal with it. As mentioned above, we Armenians have been dealing with Russia for the past two hundred years. At worst, Russia is the devil we know - very well. 

Nevertheless, Where would our Captain Americas, Russophobes and nationalist nutjobs be today had Russia not invaded and not stayed in the Caucasus some two hundred years ago? 

As in 1812, Russia is once again resurgent. Russia is once again on the rise. Russia is the alpha and the omega of the Caucasus. Russia is winning the Great Game in Eurasia. And with the decline of Western powers and the emergence of nations such as Russia, China, India and Iran, we are at the crux of a new world order. Moscow is in the process of earnestly reinstating its power and influence within former Soviet territory, and because of its status as Moscow's strategic ally in the south Caucasus, Armenia has the unique opportunity now to firmly establish itself within Russia's foreign policy calculations. A free and independent Armenia is in a strategic alliance with a major world power. As I have been proclaiming for many years, this is a historic opportunity Armenia has not had in well over one thousand years. 

Enjoying sovereignty over the largest landmass in the world and in possession of immense natural wealth, and wielding a potent military to protect it all, I firmly believe Russia will be in the driver's seat - politically, militarily and economically - within the twenty-first century. My wish is to simply see Armenia at the very least in its passenger seat.

The key to Armenia's future success in the south Caucasus is found within the highest offices of the Kremlin. Instead of the constant complaints and fear-mongering over Russia's growing influence in the south Caucasus, Armenians would do well to accept reality and embark on a pan-national/collective effort - similar to what Jews do in the West - to promote Armenia's national interests within Moscow.

Do Armenia's sons and daughters have the foresight to take advantage of this historic opportunity, or is the legendary Armenian mind only reserved to be used for personal matters or against other Armenians? 

Nevertheless, now that it has been decided, what does all this mean? What does ascension to the Customs Union ultimately mean for Armenia? 

Simply put: What Customs Union membership for Armenia means is closer, more effective political, economic and financial cooperation between former Soviet states - and not the lose of Armenia's "independence" as our Western funded Russophobes are desperately trying to convince us all.

Yes, the pact in question is Russian-led and will thus be Russian dominated for the most part - just like the European Union is German led and dominated, just like NATO is US led and dominated, etc. 

Unlike many of our Captain Americas, Cold War rejects and nationalist nutjobs, I do not fear the return of Bolshevism nor do I think the Russian nation has the appetite - or is stupid enough - to seek the resurrection of the Russian Empire. When we talk about greater Russian involvement in the context of former Soviet republics, what we are essentially talking about is a Russian-led confederation of independent states closely working with each other. Suggesting anything else is nonsense derived from political illiteracy and paranoia. 

In fact, Armenia has a much better chance of preserving its national character in such a Russian-led pact than it would have in the stinking, perverted, multinational melting pot of the European Union. After all, in stark contrast to the genocide of a number of peoples under Western/European rule, dozens of ethnicities have been able to fully preserve their national identity inside Russia after hundreds of years of Russian rule. 

As I said, what Customs Union membership ultimately means for Armenia is more efficient economic trade amongst regional member states. What Customs Union membership ultimately means for Armenia is a massive, readily accessible market where its products are well known and better appreciated than anywhere else on earth. More importantly, membership in the Customs Union lessens the importance of the Armenian-Turkish border, lessens Armenia's current total reliance on the US Dollar and lessens the corrosive effects of Globalism and the English language.

Which brings me to the topic of Globalism and the English language. 

After decades of hearing just how important it was to learn English, I would now like to use English to talk about the dangers of learning English, now that we are living in an English speaking world.

The dangers of Globalese

If we want to speak their language, sing their songs, dance to their music, watch their films, live in their lands, learn in their universities and trade with their currency - how can we ever be able to recognize them as the enemy?

Through television programming, the republic's educational system, so-called aid agencies and propaganda outlets disguised as news agencies, Western "values" began penetrating Armenian society very soon after the Soviet Union dissolved in the early 1990s. To put it as briefly as possible: With the void that the sudden fall of the Soviet Union had left in Armenia, Armenians simply woke up one day to see that: Washington had built the world's second largest US embassy in Yerevan; English had begun replacing Russian as the second language in the country; and most of the nation's English speaking opposition leaders, rights advocates, political activists and independent journalists were more-or-less on Western payrolls.

Armenia's youth, those who did not live during Soviet times, have been most susceptible to the most corrosive aspects of Western Globalism. Although alarming, it was therefore not surprising that English has been making serious headway amongst Armenia's youth as less-and-less of them are learning Russian. 

By enthusiastically embracing the English language and celebrating Anglo-American cultural elements (low quality, modern pop culture in particular), Armenians are unwittingly adopting Anglo-American values and identity, and all that comes along with it. With values and identity comes politics and mentality. Knowing the English language makes their job of delivering sociopolitical messages that much easier. Knowing the English language makes their job of social engineering via cinema, publications, television and music that much more effective. 

The English language has thus become a catalyst of change and a tool of manipulation and conditioning. 

When it comes to English, unbeknownst to the sheeple, alongside Shakespeare comes the very toxic tenets of Globalism. Multiculturalism, interracialism, anti-nationalism, anti-Christianity, consumerism, individualism and the celebration of feminism and homosexuality travels very-very close behind the spread of the English language around the world. 

Therefore, it is no surprise that one of the Western world's most powerful weapons today is the English language itself. In fact, English today is the language of Globalism. English is Globalese. This is why we have seen the active promotion and spread of the language around the world in recent decades. This is why Washington alone has spent billions of dollars on the proliferation of the language: It's part of the strategic agenda to tether the world to it's global order. The US Dollar, American entertainment and the English language play very fundamental roles in the Anglo-American-Zionist global order. 

Recent years (post-Soviet years in particular) has made things much easier for the Western powers for they no longer need to actively promote their language or their values because tens-of-millions of sheeple across the world have taken the Anglo-American task upon themselves to do all they can to act "western" and learn English.

Now, with thoroughly Anglicized human assets numbering in the many millions around the world, Western-funded NGOs have begun championing politically motivated causes around the world, causes that ultimately serve Western imperial agendas. This is essentially why every kind of obnoxious street movement we see around the world today - from Armenia's "Barevolutionists" to Arab Spring activists to Russia's Pussy Riots - have English speaking spokespeople, office branches based in English speaking countries and placards written in English and not in their native languages.

English has essentially become the unifying language of freaks around the world. 

Where there is the recent spread of the English language today, there is decadence. Where there is English, there is cultural decline. Where there is English, there is moral decline. Where there is English, there is crony capitalism. Where there is English, there is consumerism. Where there is English, there individualism. Where there is English, there is political instability or political subservience to the Anglo-American-Zionist order. 

And what are the wonderful options generally waiting for the masses of Armenia's English speaking youth? 1) Migration to English speaking countries. 2) Working for Western/Globalist organizations based in Armenia. 3) Obtaining information about the world from English language sources. 

A language as important as Russian in a nation like Armenia is giving way to a language as corrosive as English and this is happening with the full consent of the Armenian sheeple, including Armenia's politically illiterate politicians. 

With the corrosive effects of Globalese permeating throughout Armenia in recent years, Armenia needs to reestablish Russian learning institutions as a strategic countermeasure. I was very encouraged to hear from Ambassador Kovalenko that Moscow will begin actively promoting the Russian language inside Armenia - 
Ambassador Kovalenko stresses the importance of Russian language in Armenia:http://arka.am
Of course the Western press in Armenia was ready with a response -
Whether we like it or not, Armenia will remain in Russia's orbit for the foreseeable future and the largest and most successful Armenian Diaspora is located in Russia. Therefore, for the foreseeable future, after Armenian, Russian will be the single most important language in Armenia. 

The first and second languages in Armenia needs to be Armenian and Russian respectively. Other languages that need to be taught in the country are: German, French, Persian, Arabic, Chinese and of course, English. Moreover, there should be a strict ban of English language street signs or advertizements in Armenia. 

Thankfully, we may have finally begun seeing the commencement of the long-overdue demise of the English speaking world, a global order that has ruled much of the world uninterruptedly since the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte two hundred years ago. The rise of nations such as Russia, China, Iran and India will usher in a new era. 

Recent events in the Middle East have shown that we are witnessing the birth of a multipolar world where Western powers no longer reign supreme, a world where Western powers can no longer commit crimes with impunity. Yes, the Western world is in decline. But the battle is not yet over. Although Armenia has been placed on the right track, the struggle between West and Russia will continue in the country for Western powers continue to be represented by a large number of obedient servants deeply embedded inside Armenian society. Western powers continue to enjoy the services of Armenian mercenaries.

Armenia's foreign led political opposition

If there ever was a shining example of a destructive political opposition on the payroll of foreign entities, Richard Giragosian's "Regional Studies Center", Raffi Hovannisian's "Heritage" party and Paruyr Hayrikian's "Self Determination Party" have to be it. After the September 3 announcement, I thought it was only a matter of time before the country's destructive opposition peasantry took their treacherous, anti-state agenda to the next level. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. We recently had the displeasure of seeing Zaruhi Postanjian, one of Raffi's street whores in action in Europe -
Zaruhi makes a mockery of Armenia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71mQB3bhHNo
Paruyr Hayrikian, the CIA's longest serving operative in Armenia and the one-time Soviet dissident with Jewish kids in the US who still claims the "KGB" and "Imperial Russia" are after him, has also been making a lot of weird noises lately. Some of you may recall that some time ago I had stated that this so-called "nationalist" reserves more hatred towards Russians than towards Turks or Azeris. In fact, it's common to hear from his devout followers that "Russians are worst than Turks". Simply put: Paruyr's lifelong obsession has been to form a united front in the south Caucasus with Georgians and Turks (of course with Western and Jewish support) against what he terms as the dangers of  "Russian imperialism". His recent comments from Georgia speak for themselves -
Hairikyan believes that Putin wants to restore the Russian empire: http://en.aravot.am/2013/09/18/161688/
Of course Richard Giragosian could not remain silent with regards to Yerevan's September 3 decision. After all, undermining Russian-Armenian relations is specifically what he is in Armenia for. Therefore, it was not a surprise that agent Giragosian, one of Washington's seasoned professionals in Armenia, has been on a fearmongering tour lately -
Richard Giragosian: It was really disgraceful on Armenia's part to surrender to Russia so easily: http://www.arminfo.info
More on Richard Giragosian, who's move to Armenia was facilitated by none-other-than Raffi Hovanissian, can be read in the following blog commentary -

Forget the Kardashians, meet the real whores of Armenian society: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/2011/03/forget-kardashians-meet-real-whores-of.html

Surprisingly, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, the outspoken former ambassador to Armenia recently criticized Richard Giragosian in an interview he gave to an Armenian news agency -
Former Russian ambassador to Armenia is indignant at Richard Giragosian: http://www.arminfo.am
It is encouraging that the former ambassador is remaining active in Armenian politics and it is very encouraging that he has decided to single out Richard Giragosian.
Interestingly, the ambassador also raised the concerns about the possible creation a Western-led "fifth column" within Armenian society, now that Yerevan has made public its decision to join the Moscow-led Customs Union. In my opinion, this comment is particularly alarming due to recent events in the region where Western-led opposition groups have instigated bloody civil wars in countries targeted by Western powers. 

The former ambassador's not-so comfortable choice-of-words is something all Armenians need to closely listen to. More importantly, officials in Yerevan need to stop their pandering to Western powers and start curbing the activities of Western led, funded or inspired subversives. The following is a partial list of individuals and organizations that need to be placed under counter-terrorism surveillance:
Richard Giragosian, Raffi Hovanissian, Zaruhi Postanjian, Nikol Pashinyan, Paruyr Hayrikian, Levon Petrosian, Vartan Oskanian, Andreas Gukasyan, Levon Zurabian, Manvel Sargsian, Shant Arutyunian, Ruben Gevorkyants, Avetik Ishkhanyan, Jirayr Libaridian, Yeghia Nersesian, Gayane Abrahamyan, Armen Martirosyan, Salpi Ghazarian, Vardges Gaspari, Jirayr Sefilian, Edik Baghtasaryan, Arpine Galfayan, Emil Danielyan, Levon Parseghyan, Artur Sakunts,  Georgy Vanyan, Igor Muratyan, Ara Manoogian, Robert Davidian, Onnik Krikorian, David Grigorian, Arpine Galfayan, Lara Aharonian, Larisa Minasyan, Mamikon Hovsepyan, Sona Ayvazyan, Ara Papyan, Garo Ghazarian, Liana Aghajanian, Arman Babajanyan, Tsovinar Nazaryan, Karen Hakobian, Tony Halpin, John Hughes, Kirk Wallace, Transparency International Anti-corruption Center, Open Society Institute, Policy Forum Armenia, Sardarapat, ACNIS, Civilitas, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly, Armenian Environmental Network, Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, Heritage Party, Radio Liberty, Asparez Journalists' Club, Caucasus Center for Peacemaking Initiative, Women’s Resource Center, Arajinlratvakan, ArmeniaNow, Aravot, Hetq and Lragir
The above mentioned men and women should once again remind us that Armenia's worst enemy has always been the Armenian. These people represent the kind of internal filth that has been responsible for Armenia's sad plight for centuries. They represents the kind of internal filth that has historically dragged Armenia though dirt merely for the sake of their selfish desires, arrogance, ignorance and malfeasance.

These filth are the spiritual reincarnations of the filth that beheaded the great Mkhitar Sparapet and presented his severed head to the Turkish Sultan as a peace offering. 

While bloodless, what Zaruhi Boztanjian did in Europe was essentially the same: She figuratively beheaded her nation's leader in a public square in front of foreign leaders. I'm sure that in an earlier time period or under different circumstances, her beheading of President Serj Sargsyan to appease foreigners would not have been a figurative one.

It must be pointed out that Zaruhi Boztanjian's homecoming from Europe was very revealing of the destructive gene in Armenians that has plagued Armenia for centuries: Instead of being met by insults and jeers by masses of angry Armenians, she was greeted by flowers and cheers by adoring fans -
Opposition MP gets hero’s welcome from supporters in Yerevan:http://armenianow.com/news/48980/armenia_zaruhi_postanjyan_airport_welcome
The pursuit of "political freedom” or the "freedom of expression" should not be an excuse for destructive behavior in our embattled, little nation surrounded by enemies in the volatile Caucasus. Let’s face it folks, we Armenians do not know what political freedom means and will not do so for some time. 

Therefore, in the meanwhile, God save Armenia from Democracy. God save Armenia from its destructive peasantry.

As long as we have Armenians that will exhibit the kind of behavior exhibited by Armenia's political opposition and their utterly braindead followers, Armenia will not deserve full independence. If this is the caliber of people that are currently in position to takeover the reigns of power in the country if God forbid the current government is toppled, I much rather we simply give back the house keys to Moscow.

Here is a most recent example of the quality of Armenia's political opposition -
A deranged nutjob named Shant Harutiunyan and a few dozen of his brain-dead followers attempted to incite a revolution in Armenia today. Needless to say, this revolution of their was stillborn. In my opinion, this was just another measure to punish Sargsyan's administration due to Yerevan's recent decision to join the Russian-led Customs Union. As we have been seeing, ever since Yerevan's historic announcement on September 3, Armenia's Western-led opposition freaks have been very active. And with Russian President Vladimir Putin's long overdue visit looming in Armenia, we can expect more mischief by them.

Nevertheless, I have been warning about situations like this for a long time.

Enough of this "complimentary politics" bullshit. Armenian officials need to stop giving Western-led NGOs and propaganda outlets the freedom to destabilize Armenia. We as a people need to stop tolerating Armenia's Western-led political opposition. There is too much political freedom in Armenia. There is too much political freedom in a country who's citizens do not understand what political freedom means. The Armenian government is too lenient when it comes to domestic political matters. This freedom and leniency is being looked upon as weakness by Western powers and their operatives inside Armenia.

A good way to stop these operatives is to break-up their support groups and stop their funding. And if that does not work, spill some blood. Eliminate a few of their ringleaders and jail the rest and we'll have the sociopolitical peace and stability needed to help the Armenian state continue its evolutionary course.

What's interesting is that had these people tried to pull-off something like this in the US for instance, they would have been either shot dead or beaten, pepper-sprayed, tased, beaten some more, arrested, interrogated as terrorists, beaten some more and thrown into jail - and then raped by police batons.

Do Armenian authorities have the balls to at least put these nutjobs away for good?

As long as Yerevan tolerates its Western-led political opposition freaks and bestows upon them legitimate sounding titles such as "patriot", "political activist", "musician", "rights advocate", "environmentalist", "expert" or "journalist", Armenia will remain a weak state, not taken seriously by any of the world major powers, including by our only ally in the north. The global community only understands the display of power and unity. The global community only respects those who respect themselves. This is why Turks have historically been successful. This is why nations such as Armenia and Greece has historically been failures. 

As much as I hate to say it, and I know many of my readers will disagree with me, when it comes to serious political matters pertaining to Armenia, I have more trust in Russian officials than I do in Armenians. Until Armenia begins giving birth to capable nationalistic leaders with vision, courage and political acumen and a populace that stands-by its leadership - unconditionally - I will continue to looking north for Armenia's salvation.

As long as Armenians are not rallying behind their state unconditionally, at least on the international stage, Armenia will forever be looked upon as vulnerable and will thus be subject to foreign machinations. 

As long as Armenia has a "fifth column" ready and willing to attack the Armenian leadership at any given opportunity, as we recently saw in Europe, the international community will continue looking down at Armenia, Western powers will continue funding subversive activities in Armenia and Moscow will continue holding Armenia on a very short leash. 

Nevertheless, I am very thankful that psychopaths like Shant Harutiunyan and Raffi Hovannisian's Heritage party has finally made us all (even the rigidly naive and/or ignorant ones in our society) realize just how destructive and how utterly delusional Armenia's political opposition is and how lucky we are to have the government we currently have - despite all its flaws. 

Armenia needs a high colonic

As a result of the region's "Great Game" (i.e. the political wrangling between Moscow and the West during the past twenty years) and as a result of Yerevan's "Complimentary Politics" (i.e. the policy of appeasing both Moscow and the West), Armenia's political opposition and the country's so-called "rights groups" have been hijacked by Western interests. 

Consequently, Armenia has suffered over twenty years of systematic infiltration. The Western cancer (represented by an army of organizations, politicians, experts and social activists) is deeply embedded in the country today. If allowed to grow, this cancer will prove deadly. Therefore, drastic situations require drastic measures to remedy them. 

Let's not make the fatal mistake of underestimating Washington's lemmings in Armenia. I'd dare say Armenia's Western-led political opposition represents a majority of Armenians today. The only thing they are lacking currently is unity and the right opportunity to take control.

There is not a single soul in all of Armenia's political opposition today that can even remotely be considered a normal human-being. The only way, therefore, to politically stabilize Armenia and secure its future is to cleanse its internal filth. 

I say Armenia is sick and in dire need of a high colonic.

Now that Yerevan has plotted its future course, I wish to see Yerevan become more proactive, more aggressive in combating Western activism in Armenia. We have seen too many Western-led organizations and individuals creating too many problems around the world for too many years: Central and South America of the 1980s, the Russian Federation of the 1990s and the Middle East of today are glaring examples of how destructive Western entities can be in developing countries. 

Therefore, in conjunction with Russian security forces, Armenian counter-terrorism units need to identify all Western and Globalist centers of influence throughout the country and begin reassessing their operations. All Western funded NGOs, Western funded activists, Western funded propaganda outlets disguised as news organizations and think tanks, and all Western sponsored learning institutions (including the American University of Armenia, including the Yerevan State University who's journalism department for example was founded by Western entities in 1991 and continuous to be supported by them today) need to be placed under surveillance. The list of names and organizations I posted above is a good place to start. 

Simply put: Armenia can no longer afford playing host to a host of Western operatives seeking to use Armenia's natural growing pains to foment political unrest in the country and undermine Yerevan's ties to Moscow. Armenia can no longer afford to allow Western Globalism (a modern form of Bolshevism) to corrupt its national identity. Armenia can no longer allow "Democracy" - as prescribed by Western powers - to weaken the Armenian state by empowering those on the fringes of society.

I'd also like to see Russian officials get more proactive inside Armenia. Moscow is also guilty of allowing Armenia to turn into a Western playground during the past two decades. Russians officials cannot continue thinking that by merely dealing with Armenia's top leadership or controlling its infrastructure they will have no worries in Armenia. Moscow's negligence and old world tactics has allowed Western interests to setup deep within Armenian society. Moscow needs to step into the modern world and recognize the paramount importance of Public Relations, Social Engineering and, more importantly, Soft Power. 

In this regard, Ambassador Kovalenko's recent activities are encouraging. After years of working primarily behind-the-scenes, we may be seeing a more proactive, hands-on approach to Armenia by Russians officials. In his interview where he criticized Richard Giragosian recently, I'm glad that the ambassador also called into question the wisdom of seeking membership in the European Union.
The case against European integration

As beleaguered nations such as Greece, Bulgaria, Rumania, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Cyprus and Italy have vividly shown us in recent years, Armenia's membership into the EU would have done nothing positive for Armenia. 

For a small, impoverished and vulnerable nation like Armenia, "Western integration" would have meant adopting an Anglo-American-Zionist agenda (i.e. slavery to the US Dollar, slavery to Western energy interests, slavery to Western corporations, multiculturalism, inter-racialism, sexual perversions, destruction of the traditional family unit, destruction of the national church and the death of nationalism).

For a small, impoverished and a south Caucasus nation like Armenia, "Western integration" would have also meant indirect subordination to Ankara. So blinded by their political illiteracy and Russophobia, our EUrotic idiots and Captain Americas were failing to realize that Armenia's primary route to the EU would NOT have come via Georgia - but via TURKEY! Our West-leaning fools today fail to understand that for Armenia "independence" from Russia will ultimately mean DEPENDENCE ON TURKEY. 

I would like to bring another angle into this: During the past twenty years, the only thing that has stopped American, British,  European, Turkish or Israeli firms or individuals from hopping aboard an airplane, going to Armenia and practically purchasing the entire country in one financial transaction has been Russia's security services and, believe it or not - Armenia's oligarchs. Closer European integration would have replaced Armenia's homegrown oligarchs with bigger and nastier (but better dressed and better educated) oligarchs based in New York, London, Brussels, Istanbul and Tel Aviv - and would have financially enslaved the nation to Western banksters. 

As bad as they may be, Armenia's oligarchs are much preferable to Western, Turkish or Jewish oligarchs. Moreover, closer European integration would have further buried Armenia under western and Turkish products, ultimately killing Armenia's small and struggling domestic production industry. 

Although a strong case against European integration can be easily made with EU member state Greece or Spain, I would like to single-out Bulgaria simply because of all the aforementioned EU states in trouble today, Bulgaria perhaps compares closest to Armenia. Therefore, let's take a quick look at how EU membership has helped Bulgaria -
Power rustlers turn the screw in Bulgaria, EU's poorest country: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/06/us-bulgaria-government-idUSBRE92508J2013030
In Bulgaria today corruption is rampant (even western Europeans are participating in it), violent crime is high, unemployment is high, energy costs are high and hundreds-of-thousands of Bulgarian are fleeing their country to the EU's power-centers (i.e. France, Germany and Britain). Similar to Greece, which has been systematically reduced to being a subsidized nation barely making a living on German handouts, EU member Bulgaria is on the verge of becoming a failed state. 

Interestingly, in stark contrast to Western news reports about Armenia, reports about Europe's most destitute nations are seldom covered in detail by mainstream news agencies or NGOs in the Western world. In other words, they can't complain about Bulgaria's "oligarchs" because all of Bulgaria's "oligarchs" reside in Brussels, London and Washington. They cant even blame Moscow this time. Therefore, there is no Western agenda to foment political unrest or a regime change in places such Bulgaria. As a result, Western propagandists avoid seasoning news stories with political incitement. As messy as Bulgaria is, as far as Western officials are concerned, Bulgaria is slowly developing and progressing... because it is bending-over to Western institutions and not Moscow or anybody else. 

The most important lesson a nation like Bulgaria should be teaching Armenians is that Western or European integration is not and will never be a cure for any of Armenia's most pressing problems. Armenia's most pressing problems today are geographic (location), geopolitical (superpower politics) and bio-cultural (Armenian culture). Armenians need to understand is that closer integration with the Western world will not help it in any tangible way... other than perhaps increase the numbers of suicides, drug abuse, rapes, homelessness, child pornography, pedophilia, sex tourism, marital divorce, single parenthood, teenage pregnancies and homosexuals.

With closer EU integration, Armenia will be - literally - sold to the highest international bidder. But the average Armenian today is too blinded by emotions, too arrogant and too politically illiterate to understand any of this. 
 
 The multicultural/multiracial theme park known as the EU is imploding under its artificially induced weight. What Armenia did NOT need was a haphazard entry into a sinking ship like the EU.

Armenians also need to understand that despite it being tiny, remote, impoverished, landlocked, blockaded and surrounded by enemies in one of the most violent regions of the world, Armenia has done remarkably well. And, as noted above, as primitive and nasty as they may seem at times, our "oligarchs" in Armenia are much preferable to any Western-based multinational mega corporation that would be running the show in Armenia once the nation is subjugated by Western powers.

The lure of Europe today is based in Europe's achievements in the past. Its beauty, its civic order, its high standards-of-living, its open-mindedness, its cultural vitality are all a product of its past achievements. However, the European spirit of yesterday no longer exists today. Europe, western Europe in particular, has been a civilization in decline since the defeat of National Socialism during the Second World War. Rife with rigid bureaucracy, Holocaust worship, sexual decadence, ultra-liberalism, militant-feminism, multiculturalism, inter-racialism, consumerism, individualism, high taxes, fiscal waste, third world immigration and bloated with a amalgam of peoples with little in common with each other, Europe is dying a slow death. If Germanic nations do not produce another Adolph Hitler, western civilization will certainly die within this century.

 Therefore, those who pursue "European values" today are pursuing phantoms of the past. 

Armenia has a much better chance to preserve its national character under the Russian umbrella. Armenia has the best chance of economic progress within the Russian orbit. Armenia has the best chance of survival as a nation-state in the south Caucasus as Russia's strategic ally.

As I have been saying for years, despite it being tiny, remote, impoverished, landlocked, blockaded and surrounded by enemies in one of the most violent regions of the world, Armenia has done remarkably well - thanks in large part to its decision to remain under Moscow's protective umbrella ever since its independence from the Soviet Union. 

 We all need to somehow put aside our massive egos, debilitating emotions and Cold War biases and recognize that Armenia's future, for better or for worst, lies with Russia. In my opinion, Armenia needs to pursue its Russian course even if it has to shed its ties with the Armenian Diaspora to do so. At the end of the day, and in the big picture, Armenia's future looks brighter than that of most European nations. At the end of the day, and in the big picture, Armenia's future looks better than that of its immediate neighbors. 

In the meanwhile, our hysterical compatriots in the Diaspora and our Captain Americas in Armenia need to stop their poisonous and self-destructive nonsense and begin the long and arduous process of nation-building - within a Russian/Eurasian context.

Armenia needs to look North, South and Far East 

 For the past twenty years Armenians have wasted too much time and precious resources  pursuing Western values (e.g. Darwinian capitalism, mob rule, Turkish-Armenian friendship, gay rights and vagina monologues) with nothing but a desperately impoverished and politically unstable nation to show for it.   

Official Yerevan needs to stop wasting time and start concentrating efforts on further developing its north-south axis (i.e. Russia and Iran) and seeking emerging markets in the East (i.e. China and India). Only with such a political approach will Armenia gain a direct and unhindered access to developing markets in former Soviet territory to the north and to Iran and beyond to the south. Only with such a political approach will Armenia be poised to become a major regional trade hub.

 Through Russia and Iran, Armenia will have direct access to markets stretching from western Europe to the Far-East. With its economic - and financial - emphasis placed on its north-south axis, Yerevan will be able to negate the adverse effects of the NATO imposed blockade the country has been made to suffer for the past twenty years, negate the importance of corrosive globalist entities such as the IMF and the USAID - and negate the importance of the Turkish-Armenian border.

No matter how one looks at it, Armenia's only hope for a better future will come with closer integration within Russia's political and economic zone, where Armenia as a nation-state plays a strategic role and where Armenian products are well known and better appreciated.

At the end of the day, we Armenians will prefer Russia's harsh honesty to the West's polite lies and hypocrisy. And here, incidentally, is a most recent example of Russian honesty -
Russian Ambassador says losing part of sovereignty in economic union natural: http://armenianow.com/news/48610/armenia_russian_ambassador_customs_union_sovereignty 
Yes, Armenia may lose some sovereignty by entering the Customs Union. But did we think this would not be the case with European Integration? Armenia would have lost practically all of its sovereignty in the EU. The fundamental difference here is that Russian officials tell it as it is, while the Western officials lie and deceive. At the end of the day, Armenia will be able to better maintain its national identity within the Russian umbrella where unlike in lands colonized by genocidal Europeans, hundreds nationalities have been able to preserve their identity within Russia for centuries.

Please revisit the following two blog commentaries for further insight on this topic -

As Eurasian Union nears Armenia, West goes into panic mode (December, 2012): http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/2012/12/as-eurasian-union-nears-west-is-going_15.html

Moscow Warning Armenia Over European Integration Drive (July, 2013): http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-08-08T05:31:00-04:00&max-results=1
I reiterate: Geographically, politically, culturally and genetically Armenia is an Eurasian nation. Armenia's natural place is within the Russia-led Eurasian Union. Ascension to the Customs Union is a long-term, strategic step for Armenia, one that bodes well for the nation's future. 

But some of you may be asking, what about Artsakh? 

 The final status of Artsakh may perhaps be the only subject of contention between Moscow and Yerevan.
 
What does this mean for Artsakh?

Turks and Azeris recognize something most Armenians either do not understand or choose not to see. Ankara and Baku know that the only thing standing between them and their prize in the south Caucasus - i.e. Armenia and Artsakh - is Moscow. In the big picture, Turks are not afraid of Armenia's tiny military, nor are they afraid of the big talking yet utterly worthless Armenian Diaspora. Historically, Turks have only been afraid of the Russian Bear.

 This is why Armenia's antagonists have been placing much of their efforts on trying to drive a wedge between Yerevan and Moscow. This is why Yerevan's decision to enter the Customs Union was a important strategic step to secure Armenia's long-term existence. 

 With all due respects to the brave men and women serving in the Armenian armed forces today, without direct Russian support Armenia would simply be unable to mount an effective, long-term defense of Artsakh if or when her larger and wealthier neighbors decide to resort to sustained violence once again. We were able to liberate Artsakh during the chaotic years following the Soviet Union's collapse. But as my favorite Wall Street saying goes: Past performances do not guarantee future results.

Armenia today is a demoralized (thanks to the country's opposition freaks), impoverished, tiny, remote, landlocked and a blockaded nation surrounded by enemies in one of the most volatile regions of the world - and the Armenian Diaspora is simply too busy obsessing over genocide recognition, too busy assimilating and too busy complaining about dirty toilets in Yerevan. Here we see where Diasporan priorities lie - 
Did it ever cross their "democratically" driven minds that a vast majority of Armenians in Armenia want nothing to do with their "western values". Why are they imposing their suicidal values on a people who do not want it or need it? Where's the democracy in that? Is this what the proud Diaspora been reduced to? While the oil rich dictatorship in Baku is busy spending billions of dollars acquiring a large arsenal of modern weaponry from around the world, we Armenians are busy infighting, pursuing Western fairytales and championing gay-rights. The Diaspora has effectively isolated itself from its homeland by continuing to do what the Bolsheviks started - driving a wedge between itself and the homeland. The Armenian Diaspora is no longer a factor in Artsakh.

Simply put, Armenians cannot afford to be under any illusions today. We cannot make the grave mistake of underestimating our enemies. Militarily, Azerbaijan is getting stronger with time. If for some reason Moscow gave Baku a green light to attack, we will, sooner or later, lose Artsakh.

But Moscow will not give a green light. What will Moscow gain from strengthening Turkish, Islamic and Western interests in the south Caucasus by weakening Armenia? Had Turkish money been a factor in Russia's foreign policy formulations in the south Caucasus, Moscow would have given Baku the green light many years ago.

Artskah today plays a major very role in regional politics. Artsakh's existence as a Russia-friendly Armenian fortress serves the Kremlin's geostrategic interests. Artsakh's existence  serves to threaten Baku's Western financed energy transporation routes. Artsakh has been the Russian sledgehammer hanging over Turkish heads in the south Caucasus. More importantly, the unresolved dispute over Artsakh also ensures Yerevan's and Baku's political dependence on Moscow. Therefore - strategically, economically, tactically and practically - Moscow will be in no hurry to change the status quo in Artsakh. From an Armenian perspective, the longer the status quo is kept the better will it be for Armenia.

 Now that Yerevan's allegiance has been secured via Yerevan's decision to join the Moscow-led Customs Union, I expect Moscow to earnestly begin pursuing bringing Baku under its fold as well.

Of course a best case scenario would be if Baku continues to remain inflexible in its dealings with Moscow and Yerevan. There are encouraging signs that Western powers may be placing more emphasis on their dealings with Baku as a result of the September 3 decision by Yerevan. With a Russia-friendly government now in Tbilisi and with Yerevan firmly under Russia's wing, Western policymakers will do everything they can to keep a presence in Baku. The following is a revealing Washington Times article about  Azerbaijan that essentially reads like a tacky infomercial -
As you can see, Western powers will do everything they can - even paint a bloody dictator like Aliyev in peachy colors - just to keep Baku engaged. But there is not much else they can do to turn the tide in the south Caucasus. If Baku gives in to Moscow, which is what it will most likely do sooner or later, Yerevan will eventually be faced will coming to terms with a final settlement.

As a final negotiated settlement with Baku, Yerevan may be expected to return some of the "seven regions" taken outside of Artsakh proper. My biggest concern here is the fate of the territories west of Artsakh, namely the strategic region between Karvajar and Berdzor. In return, Baku would be expected to recognize Nagorno Karabakh's independence or its reunification with Armenia and perhaps return some areas of Artsakh currently under its control. 

It is of paramount importance to mention that the degree and depth of the concessions that would be expected from Yerevan is ultimately up to the diplomatic acumen of Armenian politicians and the lobbying efforts of our political activists in Moscow.

 Moscow will eventually want to resolve the dispute between Yerevan and Baku under terms that meet its regional interests. Therefore, if Armenians holding on to all of the liberated territories suites its interests, it will support it. In my opinion, the primary responsibility of holding on to every square meter of liberated Artsakh falls upon the shoulders of Armenian politicians and Armenian lobbyists. Instead of bitching and complaining and fear-mongering and threatening closer relations with Western powers, as some of our idiots tend to do when things don't go their way with Moscow, we Armenians need to draw on all our national assets and make a strong case for Artsakh within the walls of the Kremlin.  

Yerevan needs to convince the Kremlin that keeping Artsakh whole and powerful is in the long-term geostrategic interests of the Russian Federation. Therefore, Artsakh's ultimate fate is in the hands of our politicians and activists and subject to our ability to recruit, convince and/or manipulate Kremlin officials into our national cause. 

Sadly, however, I do not see much of an effort being put into this vital strategic matter by Armenians in Armenia or by our genocide recognition obsessed Armenians in the Diasporans. On one side, we have Russophobic Captain Americas attempting to spread fear of Russians and on the other side we have Russophile chobans expecting Russian officials to decide everything. In such a situation, Armenians simply need to be happy with whatever they (whoever they may be) decide for us. After all, hasn't that been the case for much of our history? 

As always, our time and energy in the Diaspora is being wasted on obsessing over genocide recognition and pathetically crying at the feet of Western leaders every April 24. Instead of wasting time in an anti-Armenian vipers nest like Washington or Brussels, Armenians need to make a pan-national effort within the walls of the Kremlin.

 The recent controversy regarding political activist and intellectual Zori Balayan's letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin may be a sign that the dispute over Artsakh is beginning to take center-stage. Zori Balayan's letter may have been a sign that Moscow is seeking to get more involved in the region. Although I'd like to refrain from drawing too many conclusions from Balayan's words for now, I do think that what he did was an attempt to test the waters for direct Russian involvement in Artsakh. Here is a relatively unbiased report on the matter from ArmeniaNow -
Experts say 200 years on, Russo-Persian peace deal still relevant: http://armenianow.com/karabakh/49499/armenia_roundtable_treaty_gulistan_russia_karabakh
Unlike his most recent naysayers (i.e. armchair generals in the Diaspora and Western funded opposition freaks in Armenia) Zori Balayan is a genuine patriot and a man very worthy of respect. Balayan did not call for turning Artsakh over to Russia. Balayan is calling on Russia to remember the region’s political history and assume responsibility to settle the festering matter in Armenia’s benefit. In other words, with the south Caucasus coming back under the Bear's influence, farsighted patriotic men like Balayan are simply trying to prepare the field of play for Armenia's benefit. Therefore, unlike what our Captain Americas, nationalist nutjobs and Russophobes are claiming, the matter at hand is not about placing Artsakh under Russian jurisdiction, it's about deriving the best outcome from the current geopolitical climate in the south Caucasus.

This issue should also be looked at within the context of the following conference -
Russian Expert: Nagorno Karabakh’s ties with Russia should be as strong as with Armenia: http://arka.am
Moscow is getting serious with regards to the dispute over Artsakh. The pro-and-cons of Russian involvement in Artsakh can be debated. Yes, Russia has indeed a historic responsibility in the region, a responsibility to correct the wrongs of history. But, again, I would like to emphasize here the paramount importance of Armenian lobbying efforts in Moscow. We cannot sit back and expect - or demand - that Russians to do the right thing for Armenia. Armenians need to embark on a collective, pan-national effort to make a case for Artsakh's territorial integrity. Armenians need to figure out a way to make Artsakh a strategic asset for policymakers in Moscow. Armenians need to work on making sure they will having a major input in whatever the final settlement will look like.

 In the big picture, as long as the territorial integrity of Armenia and Artsakh are maintained; as long as Armenia and Artsakh maintains its armed forces; as long as Armenian remains the nation's official language; and as long as the reigns of power in Yerevan remains in Armenians hands, I have absolutely no problems with Russians increasing their presence in Armenia - or in Artsakh.

Russo-Armenian interests in the south Caucasus converge for the most part. We are seeing this historic convergence of interests between the two nations extending to Artsakh as well.

Breaking all diplomatic norms, Moscow has again gone out of its way - risking serious political damage - to express its steadfast support for the Armenian state. In a recent interview, the commander of the 102nd Russian military base stationed in Gyumri, Armenia stated that if Baku attempts to subjugate Artsakh by military force, his troops may join Armenian forces in a retaliation against Azeri forces -
Colonel Andrey Ruzinsky: Russian Troops in Gyumri will Retaliate If Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh: http://asbarez.com/115675/russian-troops-in-gyumri-will-retaliate-if-azerbaijan-attacks/
In my opinion, Baku did not need to hear this most recent Russian warning. Azeris have long known where Russia stands on the issue of Artsakh. Their fear of the Bear is the primary reason why Baku and friends have not initiated major military hostilities against Armenia and Artsakh in recent years. Westerners, Israelis, Turks, Azeris and Wahhabi Islamists know that the only thing standing in their way against the total subjugation of the south Caucasus is the Russian presence in Armenia.

In other words, the aforementioned antagonists are not truly concerned about Armenia's tiny military nor do they fear Armenia's big talking, under performing Diaspora. Simply put, they fear Russia. This is why Western agents (you know their names) have been tasked with disseminating Russophobia in Armenia. Their desire is to undermine Russo-Armenia relations so that it never reaches its potential. 

Whats more, the Russian commander's comments were not totally unprecedented. As I have documented in my blog, Russian officials - both military and civilian - have been making similar statements for many years - but we Armenians have been too obsessed with genocide recognition in Washington and too preoccupied with the pursuit of Western fairytales in Armenia to have noticed it. In other words, Armenians have been too busy with petty nonsense to be taking advantage of the pro-Armenian political culture prevailing in the Kremlin today. This leads me to believe that the comments by the Russian commander may very well have been directed towards Armenians. The timing of the comments, coming on the heels of Armenia's acceptance of the Russian-led Customs Union is also significant in this context.

Needless to say, the Western press was quick to criticize the Russian commander's comments -
Russia Shows its Hand on Karabakh: http://euobserver.com/opinion/122032
Nevertheless, what's interesting here is how serious geostrategic calculations always trumps money and lobbying. Turks and Azeris have been much smarter than us Armenians in that they, unlike us Armenians, recognize the paramount importance of the Russian factor in the south Caucasus and have accordingly placed a lot of emphasis on lobbying Russian officials and spending large sums of money in Russia. Here we see billionaire Ara Abrahamyan, one of Russia's most prominent Armenians and one who enjoys close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, sounding the alarm about the lack of political activism by Armenians in Moscow - 
Thankfully, despite the very lucrative dealings Russian officials have with Ankara and Baku, when it comes to serious political matters we have seen Russian officials always placing national interests above profit. Needless to day, nations such as Syria, Iran and Armenia have enjoyed the fruits of Russia's mature foreign policy calculations.  

For better or for worst, Moscow is the alpha and the omega of Caucasian politics, and nothing and no one will be changing this reality for the foreseeable future. Therefore, let's all realize this, accept this, and try to exploit this situation for Armenia's long term benefit.

Convincing Moscow for common borders

Although Armenia is now on the right path, too many Armenians however continue to live only for today. There is no strategic effort or vision to lay the foundations of a powerful Armenia.

 Armenians need to begin treating Armenia as they would a delicate seed full of potential. This seed first needs to be carefully sown and then it needs to be given a lot nurturing and time in order for it to grow and blossom.

 Armenia, as it currently exists, is not going to big places going ultimately because the seed is not on fertile ground. Even with the best of domestic circumstances, even if our despised oligarchs turn into lovable angels overnight, Armenia will continue to remain embattled simply due to its geographic location and its less-than friendly neighbors. 

 Simply put, Armenia needs to expand if Armenia is to have a bright future.

 Morality or ethics do not guide my thoughts. I am speaking in real political and economic terms when I say Armenia needs to breakout of its mountain prison. 

 In order to do that Armenians first need to stop chasing their tails with nonsense such as "Democracy" and "Civil Society" and recognize that Armenia's expansion to the Black Sea or to the borders of the Russian Federation should be the one and only long-term strategic agenda for the Armenian nation.

 Despite the wild fantasies of Washington's "Democracy Now(!)" activists in Yerevan, Armenians must understand that Armenia's main problem today is not its lack of "Democracy" or the absence "free speech" or "fair elections". Rather, Armenia's primary problem today is geopolitical and geographical. Being that Armenia is small, poor, landlocked, remote and surrounded by hostile nations in a volatile political environment, we must recognize that there are essentially three ways we can cure Armenia's serious aliments:
1) Physically move Armenia and place it next to a nation like Germany
2) Pray that Moscow creates Pax Russica in the Caucasus
3) Extend Armenia's borders to the Black Sea and/or to Russia

 Number one is a dream. Number two may be the most practical. But number three would be the most ideal. Obtaining a direct access to the Black Sea and/or establishing a common border with the Russian Federation should be the single most important agenda for officials in Armenia and for the Armenian Diaspora. In fact, such an agenda needs to be a pan-national pursuit and something that should somehow be incorporated into the Hay Dat. If we want Armenia to prosper - and to finally be taken seriously by international bodies - Armenians simply need to figure out a way of providing our small, impoverished, landlocked and remote nation in the volatile Caucasus with an opportunity to breakout of its geographic predicament. As long as Armenia remains in its current situation, it will continue begging at the feet of the great powers. Simply put, Armenia needs to break out of its current geographical predicament. Armenia needs common borders with the Russian Federation. When Armenians finally put aside their victim mentalities and stop looking at the political West for any kind of assistance, they may finally come to the realization that for Armenia to truly prosper it must gradually begin formulating a long-term expansionist policy in the Caucasus. 

It would be naive us to think Russians would never allow such a thing. Have we tried it to know what Russians will or will not allow?

"I hope Armenia and Russia will some day have a common border"

The above comment was made by a Russian official in Yerevan several years ago. The official in question, who happens to be of Armenian decent, also called for another Russian military base in Armenia. The following is my commentary at the time -

I don't know about another Russian base in Armenia (although it wouldn't hurt), but Armenia having a border with the Russian Federation is certainly very desirable. I can only hope that a contingency plan to this effect is being worked on by Moscow and Yerevan. I can only hope that Armenian officials are doing their best to convince their Russian counterparts that establishing a land connection to Armenia is in Russia's best, long term interests. I can only hope that Armenian officials are doing their best to convince their Russian counterparts that having direct access to Armenia will level the playing field in the south Caucasus and give Moscow direct control over all three republics. 

 It is no secret that we Armenians are a very intelligent and talented people but our intelligence and talents are almost always misplaced and/or misused. We need to learn to apply our intelligence and talents to the strategic benefit of the Armenian state.

 Had Armenians been politically sophisticated and thus farsighted, they would have at least temporarily shelved their "Western Armenia" urges and began thinking about extending Armenia's borders towards Russia via Azerbaijan or towards the Black Sea via Georgia. Those who still dream about liberating Western Armenia need to realize that the keys to Western Armenia lies in Moscow (and to a lesser extent in Tehran, if the regime there survives). In the meanwhile, Armenians who look forward to Western Armenia's liberation should stop placing hope in some worthless piece of paper being waved around by worthless pro-Western politicians like Ara Papyan.

If done right, Kremlin officials will listen. Armenia's presence in the Caucasus has for centuries been protecting Russia's vulnerable southern regions. Armenians have been an effective hedge against Muslims and Turks. Since Czarist times high officials in Russia have fully understood this. It is up to us Armenians now to effectively exploit this convergence of geostrategic interests between Russia and Armenia. The geostrategic significance of Armenia is as important for Russian officials today as it was for Czarist officials, if not more so. In a region that suffers from powerful Turkic and Islamic influences, Armenia's political independence and its close alliance with Moscow will be zealously protected by Russian officials for the foreseeable future. As a result, there exists a receptive political culture in the Kremlin for Armenians to tap into.

In the big picture, having a common border with Russia is not only more economically and geopolitically favorable to Armenia than extending into Turkey's most desolate, impoverished and still landlocked eastern regions - but it is also more doable.
 
The most important thing to do for Armenians today is to embark on a long-term, multi-pronged, pan-national campaign to convince high ranking Russian (as well as Iranian officials) that a larger and more powerful Armenia on their borders is much more desirable to the existing state-of-affairs in the south Caucasus. Armenians need to convince Kremlin officials, in particular, that having Armenia as a neighbor is in their best national interests. Behind closed doors, the following is more-or-less what Armenian officials and political activists from around the world should be communicating to their Russian counterparts:
Western powers, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and various other Islamic/Turkic tribes in the Caucasus are the main obstacles to a lasting peace and stability in the greater Caucasus region. The only way to pacify the strategic Caucasus region is to establish a common border with Armenia through Georgia and/or Azerbaijan. Geostrategically speaking, a powerful Armenia fully connected to and dependent on the Russian Federation is the only effective way to solve the Caucasus region's many pressing problems - including but not limited to Islamic insurgency, pan-Turkism and Western expansionism.
Dissecting the south Caucasus in such a manner would immediately drive the last nail in the coffin for Western interests in the region. Such a scenario would turn unreliable Georgia and Azerbaijan into hostages to Moscow. Such a scenario would be a major blow to the Islamic insurgency in the north Caucasus. Such a scenario would also preempt any future inroads in the region by Turkey or by Islamists - or even by Iran. By allowing Yerevan to establish a common borders with the Russian Federation, Moscow would immediately create a more effective balance-of-power in the volatile region where besides Russia there are four other major influences - Western, Turkish, Iranian and Islamic. Moreover, by establishing a reliable trade route to Iran via Armenia, Moscow can more effectively implement major regional economic projects. 

 If Baku wants to get adventurous. If Baku tried to upset the prevailing status-quo in the region by resorting to military means to regain Artsakh. If Baku (and Tbilisi) continues being troublesome in the region - why not allow the establishment of common borders between Armenia and Russia?

A detailed plan to establish an Armenian presence on Russia's southern border via Azerbaijan should be worked on and it should be reserved as a contingency plan. This is where men like Zori Balayan can be helpful. 

There are no other solutions to Armenia's core problems. Sooner or later, Armenia needs to expand. I'm not a dreamer. Therefore, I fully realize the complexities of such a suggestion. I also recognize that such a thing is wrought with risks. However, the point is that if we want our homeland to free itself of its severe socioeconomic and sociopolitical ailments and turn into a powerful state that Armenians will be proud of and would want to live in, Armenia's expansion to the Black Sea and/or to Russia is a historic necessity that we as a nation must collectively embark upon. This is a crucially important national project we Armenians must adopt and hardwire into our thinking. 

 However, there is a catch. 

 In order to convince Russian officials that a larger, more powerful Armenia will be in Moscow's long-term, strategic interests, Armenian officials must first cleanse Armenia of all its Western agents, Russophobes and it must refrain from playing footsie with Washington and/or Brussels. One of the reasons why Moscow has been somewhat nervous with its dealing with Yerevan is the ominous fact that Armenia's political landscape has been utterly infested by Western agents and Russophobes in recent years.

Armenia's Western-led political opposition represents a significant portion of Armenian society in and out of Armenia. Realizing that Armenia is saturated by Western operatives and that the typical Armenian today would sell his mother for a few Dollars or a Greencard, Russian officials would not want risking Armenia to grow too powerful, lest it loses control over Yerevan. Therefore, Kremlin officials have sought to contain all nations in the region, including their only ally, Armenia. While they have surely ensured Armenia's survival in the south Caucasus, they have nonetheless implemented a policy in the region that keeps all sides weak and in conflict. Simply put, while it treats Armenia as a strategic partner, at the same time Moscow fears that Armenia is vulnerable to Washington's political machinations and has therefore placed Yerevan on a very short leash. 

 Therefore, as a fundamental first step in alleviating the Kremlin's justified concerns and suspicions with regards to the political maturity of Armenians today, I am calling for a thorough purging of Armenia's dangerous Western operatives.

Pax Russica

The only way the wild Caucasus can be pacified once again is through Pax Russica. With Moscow acting as the sole arbiter in the region, Western powers and their regional Turkish and Islamist allies will retreat. Only with them gone will the "Great Game" end and will projects such as the north-south highway and the Russia-Armenia-Iran railway grow to fruition. Only then will Armenia have a direct and unhindered access to developing markets in former Soviet territory to the north and to Iran and beyond to the south. 

The secret to Armenia's future success lies in its ability to manipulate/exploit the Russian Bear for its long-term benefit. We need to put aside our EUortic fantasies and American wet dreams and get to work. Armenians (preferably officials and business tycoons) need to be a constant presence within the walls of the Kremlin. While Armenia's military is its tactical advantage, Armenia's alliance with Russia has to be made its strategic advantage.
 
Russia today has proven to be the last front in the world against Anglo-American imperialism, Zionism, Globalism, Islamic expansionism and pan-Turkism. Russia's presence today as an independent superpower projecting its national interests upon the global stage is ensuring the survival of western civilization, apostolic Christianity and the traditional nation-state.

Syria has vividly shown us the great importance of Russian Bear on the global arena.  

Recent developments in the Middle East should again be reminding us Armenians of the cruel and unforgiving nature of the region in which Armenia is unfortunately located. We should be reminded that the obsessive pursuit of "democracy" in Armenia as per Western demands is a dangerous red-herring for there are much more important tasks that our underdeveloped and inexperienced nation needs to take on before it can afford to play around with such nonsense.

Armenian lobbyists, politicians, businessmen and military leaders must be a constant presence within the walls of the Kremlin. Recent years have clearly shown us that Yerevan's alliance with the Russian Bear is Armenia's number one security guarantee for without a strong Russian presence in Armenia there won't be an Armenia in the south Caucasus. Recent years should also have shown us that Western institutions are a grave threat for underdeveloped and vulnerable nations such as Armenia.

While Western officials keep our Democracy Now(!) idiots preoccupied with things like gay rights, civil society and free elections, keeping Armenia politically isolated and economically stagnant is their ultimate game. Therefore, it would be wise to look past the lofty rhetoric of Washingtonian whores such as Raffi Hovannisian and assess their actions in Armenia within the following geostrategic context -
 The ultimate goal of high level Western officials continues to be either the strangling of Armenia (through their NATO blockade) or its severing from Russia (through their political activists in Armenia).

Thus, it could be said that the West's ultimate intention is to either destroy Armenia or place it under the mercy of their Turkic and Islamic allies. After all, the primary reason why they are in the south Caucasus to begin with is to push Russia out of the region so that Western economic/energy interests can exploit Central Asian gas and oil without Moscow's meddling. The West realizes that without Russia in the Caucasus, the very strategic region in question will be their playground. However, we Armenians need to be sober enough to realize that without a Russian presence in Armenia, there won't be an Armenian presence in the south Caucasus.

Although we have countless idiots in Armenia and in the Diaspora that think we are living in an enlightened age where the "rule of international law" and "human rights" are respected, the fact is that Western powers, as well as the entire world, is still very much governed by the old adage of - might makes right.  

Let's never forget that "international law" is made by the powerful to control the weak.

Therefore, in this dog-eat-dog world, we Armenians need to be very grateful that we have a very powerful regional ally like the Russian Federation. We must be very grateful that a superpower is sincerely interested in Armenia's survival as a nation-state in a very hostile and unforgiving environment. Whereas Armenia is nothing but a geopolitical nuisance for Western powers, Armenia is a strategic asset for Russia. 

This is what I mean -
"Armenia is more important to [Russia] than Israel is to the Americans"
These words are not mine, they are said to be the words of Alexsei Arbatov, a high level Russian official. The comment was taken from a book called - "Power Games in the Caucasus: Azerbaijan's Foreign and Energy Policy towards the West, Russia and the Middle East". The following is the full quote -
Armenia is our only classic military-political ally...Armenia will not survive without Russia, while, without Armenia, Russia will lose all its important positions in the Caucasus...Even though Armenia is a small country, it is our forepost in the South Caucasus.  I would say that Armenia is more important to us than Israel is to the Americans.
Alexsei Arbatov (Former deputy chairman of the Russia State Duma's Defense Committee)
Regardless of what weapons Russians sell to whom, and despite how some of our chobans are treated in Russia from time-to-time, what Alexsei Arbatov outlined above is more-or-less the prevailing political culture in Moscow, a culture we Armenians need to be cultivating. 

We Armenians need to be farsighted enough and clever enough to begin exploiting this political culture in Moscow. This is the kind of lobbying we Armenians should be pursuing as obsessively as we pursue Armenian Genocide recognition in the US. 

We need to be cultivating deeper Russian-Armenian relations. We need to be laying the foundations of a permanent Armenian presence within the highest offices of the Kremlin - because while Armenia's military may be its tactical advantage when it comes to protecting Armenia from its enemies, we must make Armenia's presence within the walls of the Kremlin its strategic advantage. 
 
We should not be giving any of Washington's whores a political platform to spew their dangerous agendas. We should not allow modern slave-masters such as the Goldman Sachs, IMF or the USAID any foothold inside Armenia. And we should not be fooling ourselves into thinking that European integration is a panacea for Armenia. 

At the end of the day, what it all boils down to is this: Any Armenian today that disseminated Russophobia or wants to see Armenian ties to Russia curtailed is ultimately a traitor to the Armenian state (regardless of his or her motivation). What's more, Russia is immeasurably more important to Armenia's survival in the south Caucasus than the Armenian Diaspora; and lobbying in Moscow for Armenian interests is incalculably more important than pursuing Armenian Genocide recognition in the Western world. 
 
While these words may be hard pills for many Armenians to swallow, digesting these hard realizations will no doubt help the Armenian state in the long run.
 
After our nationalist nutjobs, Captain Americas, Cold War relics and Russophobes are done talking their bullshit, the fact remains that a Russian presence in the south Caucasus has been the fundamental historic reason why we have an Armenia today to begin with. Allow me to put this in an another way to help the reader better understand:  

Imagine the south Caucasus as a table where Turks, Azeris, Persians, Georgians, Islamists, Armenians, Western energy interests and Russians sit. Now imagine this table effectively without its Russian occupant. In another words, imagine the region without a powerful Russia. Now imagine what clout or leverage or chances of survival our tiny, impoverished, remote, landlocked, inexperienced, embattled and blockaded homeland will have at that table. 

Make sense?

Well, this is in essence what our Captain Americas and nationalist nutjobs are seeking today.Again: At the end of the day, no Russia in the south Caucasus means no Armenia in the south Caucasus.

We as a nation can never lose sight of the fact that Russia is the alpha and the omega of Caucasian politics and pray it remains that way. We Armenians need to learn to navigate the very turbulent waters of the Caucasus accepting this geopolitical reality. For the foreseeable future (i.e. for as long as the region retains its powerful Turkic and Islamic presence), Armenia will have to remain under Russia's protective umbrella. For better or for worst, Armenia is wed to Russia. Recognizing this, embracing this and exploiting this reality will help us Armenians go a very long way in the twenty-first century. We need to put aside our self-serving interests, political ignorance and emotional handicaps and for once recognize that Russia is a historic opportunity that we Armenians need to collectively wake-up to and take advantage of. 

Although Armenia is now clearly on the right track, the struggle between West and Russia will nevertheless continue in the country. Western powers continue to be represented by a large number of obedient servants deeply embedded inside Armenian society. As a result, Armenia's troubles will not end in the short-term, they may actually get worst as Western powers now increase pressure on Yerevan due to President Sargsyan's 'deceiving' ways. 

But on the bright side, Yerevan now has nothing to lose anymore and it can therefore push back against any Western incitement with total Russian backing.

Nevertheless, as predicted, the Russian-camp in Armenia has come on top once again. This tells us that rational minds are continuing to make strategic decisions for our tiny, impoverished, remote, landlocked and blockaded nation surrounded by enemies in perhaps the most difficult location on earth. For now at least, I can sleep a little better at nights knowing that my Armenian homeland is on the right path. For now at least, I can sleep a little better at nights knowing that Armenian officials understand the paramount importance having Russian boots on the ground in Armenia. God bless Russia. God bless Armenia. And may God help protect and preserve Russo-Armenian relations from enemies both foreign and domestic.

Arevordi
October, 2013

***

Armenia Chooses Russian Trade Deal Over EU
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Armenia has decided to hang its hat with its former Soviet ally Russia instead of joining a European free-trade agreement, President Serzh Sarksyan announced after meeting with Vladimir Putin. Armenia said it would join Russia in the Customs Union, as well as engage in the Eurasian integration process instead of negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU. The move is seen as a political victory for Putin, who has been rounding up former Soviet states to rival the EU, promising lower gas prices and other trade perks.

"Russia supports the decision by Armenia to enter the customs union ... We will fully work for this to happen," Putin said at the bilateral talk at his countryside house outside of Moscow.

Russia is Armenia’s largest trading partner and the largest foreign investor in the small, landlocked Caucasus country. Trade in 2012 reached $1.2 billion and Russian capital investment was over $3 billion, or nearly half of Armenia’s foreign investment, Putin said. In July Armenia engaged in technical talks on a ‘deep and comprehensive free-trade agreement' (DCFTA) with the EU, and observers largely expected the country  to initiate a free trade agreement with the EU at the Vilnius summit in late November. The EU has stated both publicly and privately membership of the Russia’s Eurasian Customs Union is “incompatible” with DCFTA.

The three-member customs union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus was founded in 2010 as a counterweight to the EU. Putin hopes to expand it into a ‘Eurasian Union’- a political and economic union of post-Soviet states like Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.

While President Putin said earlier the Eurasian Union would be built upon the 'best values of the Soviet Union', critics claim that the drive towards integration aims to restore the ‘Soviet Empire’. It has been suggested the Eurasian Union could also include other countries that have been historically or culturally close, such as Finland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cuba and Venezuela. This is expected to incorporate the countries into a common body where Russian would be the common language of communication and economic cooperation.

Russia has so far failed to lure Ukraine away from an EU trading alliance and relations with Belarus have soured after they detained and jailed the CEO of Russia’s largest potash producer, Uralkali. 
Russia Secures Positions in the South Caucasus
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For many years, Russian-Armenian relations were considered an example of a strong and chaste friendship. In fact, Russian military and border guards are involved in ensuring the national security of Armenia. Russia is a member of the OSCE Minsk Group on the Nagorno–Karabakh conflict, having its own ability to conduct negotiations. The Russian business presence in Armenia is also impressive. Last year, Russian investments accounted for half of the total volume of foreign investments in the country. 

 However, in the past two months, relations between Yerevan and Moscow have resembled a kind of alienation. Until the very last moment, the recent visit by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to the Russian capital was under discussion, as well as a meeting and talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Interest in the topic has been supported by the contributions of numerous experts, journalists and politicians, both in Moscow and Yerevan. At the same time, the leaders of the two countries refrained from comments and harsh evaluations during the Armenian president’s visit. In fact, there was a simultaneous layering of several thorny issues, ensuring their transition into a discussion about the quality of the relationship between the strategic allies. 

 On the one hand, Moscow, being extremely jealous about any penetration into the post-Soviet space by European and American interests, showed concern about the signing of the Association Agreement between Brussels and Yerevan, which is to take place in November at the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Lithuania.
In this case, unlike its integration in security forums (i.e., the CSTO), Armenia did not show particular interest in participating in the Customs Union, and some of its officials even expressed skepticism about a union of countries that have no common state border. On the other hand, Armenia has been worried about the growing military-technical cooperation between Moscow and Baku: Even an ordinary Armenian voter expressed dissatisfaction with rising prices for Russian gas supplied into the Caucasus republic. It should be noted that all of these topics in the relations between the two countries have come up in the past. However, their connection in time has given the aforementioned negative effect.

It is no secret that Moscow has used leverages to exert pressure on its ally. Yet it would be wrong to explain the current compliance of Sargsyan solely by the "maneuvers" of Moscow. Yerevan understands as well as the others that the European vector, with all its visual appeal today, does not compensate the role that Russia provides for the security of the country and in ensuring of the status-quo in the Nagorno–Karabakh peace process.  The EU also has a serious lack of “hard power.” In addition, the European strategic partnership with a longtime rival of Armenia — Baku — in the field of energy does not incline Brussels to accept only the "truth" of Yerevan.

Considerable risks are also associated with a possible intervention in Syria and, in particular, with the potential willingness of Turkey to intervene in the civil conflict in this Middle East country. No one can guarantee that Ankara will not act tougher against Yerevan, leaving the latter without Russian support. From hence comes the rather pragmatic choice of Sarkisian. Should Moscow be celebrating a triumph? Well, yes and no. On the one hand, it has once again proved the stability of its interests in Eurasia, in general, and in the South Caucasus, in particular.

Russia does not need to rebuild its regional policy, and the loyalty of its strategic ally has been confirmed. On the other hand, Sarkisian’s choice in September is not the end of the history but the start of a new phase. It will therefore be interesting to see the reaction of Europe, the United States and other neighboring countries of Armenia (i.e., Iran and Turkey). Much will depend on the tone of Russia’s subsequent discourse.

After all, keeping such an ally as Armenia is beneficial for Moscow also. It is not only in Armenia’s interests. It is extremely important that Russian politicians and diplomats refrain from reveling in victory and operating on the principle of "you can’t run away from us." It is not enough to declare an appeal. It is important to be attractive in reality—and not only in the sphere of security and defense.

Sergei Markedonov is a visiting research associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.


China is determined to launch active cooperation with Customs Union

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China is determined to launch active cooperation with the Customs Union, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang said during a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Tigran Sargsyan on September 10. The press service of the Armenian Government reports that the governmental delegation headed by Tigran Sargsyan left for China on September 9 to participate in the session of the World Economic Forum.
 
The Armenian and Chinese premiers discussed the prospects for regional cooperation. Sargsyan presented Armenia's decision to join the Customs Union. "China understands Armenia's desire to take an active part in the regional processes and China is also determined to launch active cooperation with the Customs Union", Li Keqiang said.
 
He also expressed China's willingness to increase investments in Armenia's economy and to import Armenian commodities. "We want to see Armenian brandy, jewelry and precious stones on the Chinese market", he said.
 
Sargsyan pointed out the significance of development of tourism and establishment of direct air service between Armenia and China. As regards the export of Armenian commodities, the Armenian premier said that Armenian producers increase the output of Armenian brandies and wine. He added that Armenia also produces cigarettes and asked his Chinese counterpart to promote the sales of these goods on the Chinese market. Sargsyan also called on the Chinese companies to take part in the free trade zone opened in Armenia.
 
To recall, on September 3 Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said that Armenia had made a decision to join the Russia-led Customs Union.

Armenia to Get $100M From Regional Fund for North-South Highway

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Armenia will get $100 million from a Eurasian Economic Community anti-crisis fund, a Eurasian Development Bank official said Wednesday. The 556-km corridor, designed to improve transport links between Europe, the Caucasus and Asia, in particular between Eastern Europe and western Asia, is to be completed by 2017. In January 2010, the Armenian government approved an investment program for the North-South transport corridor, and a framework finance agreement between Armenia and the Asian Development Bank worth a total of $500 million.  Wednesday’s decision came after discussions between the Eurasian Development Bank’s Deputy President Sergei Shatalov and Armenia’s Transport and Communications Minister Gagik Belaryan, the ministry’s press service told RIA Novosti.
Iranian, Russian, Chinese companies interested in participating in construction of Armenia-Iran railway

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Iranian, Russian and Chinese companies are interested in participation in the construction of the Armenian section of the Armenia-Iran railway, Secretary of Armenian National Security Council Arthur Baghdasaryan told journalists on Friday, ARKA agency reported. "Iran has already expressed its readiness to finance construction of a railway in its territory and through Armenia. Various Iranian, Russian and Chinese companies are interested in the project," Baghdasaryan said.

The Secretary of the Security Council stressed that the development of railway transport has strategic importance for Armenia and the construction of an Armenia-Iran route is very ambitious, but still an important state program. Baghdasaryan reminded that currently, Iran is building modern railway junctions which will link it with India, China, and Central Asia. Subsequently, ties with Iran mean a large diversification of destinations for Armenia.

The North-South (Iran-Armenia) railway will give opportunity to Armenia to use an alternative way of transporting energy resources and other goods and getting access to the external world. In November, 2011, then Minister of transportation and Communication Manuk Vardanyan said that the feasibility study of the project is ready, the group led by Deputy Transport Ministers of Armenia, Iran and Russia worked on it.

According to experts, around $1.7-2.8 billion is required for the implementation of the project. Currently, the construction of the railway is being discussed with Russia, Iran and China. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank expressed interest in this project. Currently, railway operations involve only Armenia and Georgia. A railway to Iran, which was declared a priority project, will give opportunity to open an alternative way for transporting energy resources and other goods.

Rasia Announces Achievement of Key Milestone for Southern Armenia Railway in Meeting with Armenian Prime Minister
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Prior to the start of the World Economic Forum, Rasia FZE announced in a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan the achievement of a key milestone for the Southern Armenia Railway, including the release of a highly favorable feasibility study and the recommended railway design route from China Communications Construction Company ("CCCC").

Joseph Borkowski, Chairman of Dubai-based investment firm Rasia FZE which owns the 50-year concession for the Southern Armenia Railway, highlighted the strong economic viability and regional importance of the railway, as demonstrated by the feasibility study. Having reached this key milestone, Rasia will now move towards securing essential regional cooperation for the following financing, construction and operating stages of the project.

The feasibility study results indicate that the Southern Armenia Railway will cost approximately US $3.5 billion to construct, have a length of 305 kilometers from Gagarin to Agarak, and provide a base operating capacity of 25 million tons per annum. The railway will have 84 bridges spanning 19.6 kilometers and 60 tunnels of 102.3 kilometers, comprising 40% of the total project length. The selected railway alignment is nearly 44 kilometers shorter than previously estimated from Gavar to Agarak and will include the Gagarin to Gavar connection to the existing railway network, operated by the JSC Russian Railways subsidiary South Caucasus Railway CJSC.

Mr. Borkowski expressed his sincere gratitude for the time invested by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan in Dalian, China and for the strong support of Minister Beglaryan and the staff of the Ministry of Transport and Communication over the past year. Mr. Borkowski also reiterated his great satisfaction with the exceptional work and dedication of the CCCC team, enabling completion of the feasibility study ahead of schedule, and the positive technical cooperation with General Director Mr. Viktor Rebets and his team at South Caucasus Railway CJSC.

As the key missing link in the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Southern Armenia Railway will create the shortest transportation route from the ports of the Black Sea to the ports of the Persian Gulf. The Southern Armenia Railway will establish a major commodities transit corridor between Europe and the Persian Gulf region, with conservative long-term traffic volume forecasts of 18.3 million tons per annum. Once the railway is completed, transport costs and times for the region are expected to improve substantially, fostering greater regional trade and economic growth while dramatically strengthening the Armenian economy. The feasibility study suggests a National Economic IRR for Armenia exceeding 11%. The implementation of the Southern Armenia Railway Project is a top strategic priority for Armenia and the region. 
Armenia May Take Advantages of Russia-Proposed Eurasian Corridor if Abkhazia Railway Section Opens

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 Armenia may take advantages of the Eurasian corridor that Russia has proposed to open if the railroad stretching across Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia opens, Aram Safaryan, head of an NGO called Integration and Development, said Wednesday in Novosti International Press Center. The Russia-proposed corridor stretches from its Far East region to the European Union's border.

"Specialists have calculated that if this corridor works properly, in accordance with its technical and economic regulations, cargo transportation from the Far East to Europe will take less time, up to 50 days, in the future thanks to immense government investments, and it may become cheaper," Safaryan said.

"But only the opening of the Abkhazian section of the railway would give this advantage to Armenia."

Safaryan said if the Abkhazian railway starts functioning, it would  benefit Armenia's trade with Russia and its partners.

"China is our second biggest trade partner after Russia, and the first partner, if gas component is not taken into account. Our trade turnover amounted to almost $500 million in 2012."

Safaryan also said that prices for Chinese goods may be other, if the Abkhazian section is opened.

 "The status of observer at Shanghai Cooperation Organization will become reasonable if we solve important problems within the Commonwealth of Independent States," he said. In his words, specialists find prospects for the opening very high given political processes in Georgia.
Russia to lift 30% customs duty for gas supplies to Armenia 
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Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan dispelled the public’s doubts over the deal on Russian gas price hike for Armenia. The stir rose following Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan’s statement that no price increase agreement actually exists.Earlier, the Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition party’s parliamentary group secretary Aram Manukyan expressed discontent over inability to procure the text of the gas agreement. As Movsisyan noted, commenting on the above, Manukyan was given the copy of the agreement, as instructed by Prime Minister, ARKA reported. 

 Also, Russia is ready to lift a 30 percent customs duty on export of natural gas to Armenia, Movsisyan said. Currently Armenia pays $270 for one thousand cubic meters of Russian gas supplied to the country across Georgia. Of that amount $189 dollars is the price of gas, and the rest is the 30% customs duty. 

 "We have done quite a lot of work with the Russian side. After the September 3 announcement on Armenia’s joining the Russia-led Customs Union, the gas delivery contract between the two governments will be revised and simplified. This means the Russian side will not apply customs duty on gas exports to Armenia. We hope that a revised contract will be signed before the end of this year," Movsisyan said. 

 According to the minister, the price of gas for Armenia will be the same as in Russia plus transportation costs. However, Movsisyan said this will not affect the price for local consumers. “Our calculations show that revised contract will not entail a price rise or price drop,” he added.

Russia to Expand Military Cooperation With Armenia

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Russia plans to expand its military presence in Armenia, Haykakan Zhamanak daily said. According to the paper, a staff addition is scheduled at the Gyumri military base No. 102. Russian military officials with their families - up to 3000 persons – are expected to arrive for service at the military base. The Armenian city is getting ready for guests, with several Armenian families to be relocated to new homes.

At the same time, Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan neither confirmed nor denied the report. Yerevan and Moscow are planning to ratify an important agreement, envisaging direct purchases from Russian military plants, in the near future, Hraparak daily said earlier citing sources at parliament.

According to the daily, the deal will provide Armenia with exclusive rights. “There’s a similar agreement with Belarus, yet it contains some reservations, which the deal with Armenia does not,” the daily said.

In June 2013, during the visit of the Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev to Armenia, a military and technical cooperation agreement was signed with Russia. The agreement stipulates for each side to supply military products with the same specifications as for one’s own armed forces. The agreement also enables the supplier to exert control over the presence of products and their compliance with the intended use to be described in an additional treaty.

According to another deal, Armenia and Russia will form a joint defense enterprise as well as the border guards and emergency situation experts training centers. With Russia’s assistance, Armenia’s defense industry will launch production of ammunition, armory, as well as form a repair base for land, air and air defense forces.
  

Armenia Seeks Observer Status in Shanghai Cooperation Organization

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Armenia would like to acquire observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a post-Soviet Eurasian security bloc, and it will need support from China to get it, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said Tuesday. Sargsyan, on a visit to China, was assured by his Chinese counterpart, Li Keqiang, that China would consider the matter with its partners in the SCO, the Armenian government press service said. Keqiang said China welcomed Armenia’s wish to become involved in regional affairs. The SCO will hold a summit meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 13. Founded in 2001, the SCO comprises Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The organization aims to consolidate efforts to counter terrorism and radicalization among member countries, and to coordinate work in other areas such as politics and trade. Iran, Afghanistan, India, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status in the organization.
Source: http://en.rian.ru/world/20130910/183345225/Armenia-Seeks-SCO-Observer-Status.html

Russia Offers to Subsidize Nuclear Plant

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Russia is ready to finance 35 percent of the cost of construction of a new power unit for Armenia’s nuclear power plant, Vahram Petrosyan, the secretary of a presidential council on nuclear power safety, said today.

Armenian authorities said they will build a new nuclear power plant to replace the aging Metsamor plant. The new plant is supposed to operate at twice the capacity of the Soviet-constructed facility. Metsamor currently generates some 40 percent of Armenia’s electricity. But the government has yet to attract funding for the project that was estimated by a U.S.-funded feasibility study to cost at as much as $5 billion.

“We are looking for new investors. As for Russia, they are willing to participate in the project by funding 35 percent of its cost. The money will be used to purchase the necessary equipment,” Petrosyan said at a news conference after a meeting of the council.

The plant is located some 30 kilometers west of Yerevan. It was built in the 1970s but was closed following a devastating earthquake in 1988. One of its two VVER 440-V230 light-water reactors was reactivated in 1995. On September 3, Russian president Putin said experts from Russian state nuclear company Rosatom and Armenian experts will work to extend the service life of the Armenian nuclear power plant in Metsamor for another 10 years until 2026.

Petrosyan said the extension of the service life of the facility requires at least $150 million. On Wednesday, President Serzh Sarkisian met with the chairman of the presidential Nuclear Energy Safety Council (NESC), Adolf Birkhofer, who has arrived in Armenia to participate in the regular session of the NESC.

The President of Armenia and Chairman of NESC spoke about planned works aimed at the enhancement of the security level of the Metsamor nuclear power plant and its current state. In that regard, the parties stated that the Metsamor plant has the necessary projected level of seismic stability. Serzh Sarkisian and Adolf Birkhofer also spoke about issues related to the future operation of the plant, the construction of a new energy unit, and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the results of the OSART mission.

After the meeting, President Serzh Sarkisian and Chairman Adolf Birkhofer participated in the session of the NESC. The President began by underscoring that it would be difficult to overestimate the importance of cooperation in the council, considering the special role that nuclear energy plays in ensuring energy security for Armenia.

President Sarkisian thanked the IAEA, the governments of the Russian Federation, US, Czech Republic, Great Britain, and Italy, and the European Commission for their assistance.
“The Republic of Armenia has been constantly improving its domestic legislation and has been fulfilling, in good faith, her international obligations,” the President said.

The governments of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation will soon sign an agreement on cooperation in the area of nuclear safety, the President said. The agreement will allow Armenia to:

– develop infrastructure for nuclear safety in preparation for the construction of new energy units based on Russian designs.

– train, re-train and upgrade specialists of nuclear safety, taking into consideration IAEA recommendations.

– expand the framework of cooperation in nuclear energy.

In October 2012, the Governments of the Republic of Armenia and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding pertinent to the energy (including nuclear energy) sector. The document allows the two countries to cooperate more closely in the area of peaceful use of nuclear energy.

President Sarkisian mentioned that a great amount of work has been done with the assistance of the IAEA and international experts towards improving the seismic stability of the Metsamor plant. In 2012, during routine, preventive renovations, supporting structures were installed to enhance the seismic stability of the main structures and components of the plant, which are pivotal from a safety point of view.

In 2013, the IAEA OSART sent a mission to Armenia that registered sufficient progress but also raised concerns related, particularly, to the management of radioactive waste. The President said experts have already started to develop a strategy on safe management of radioactive waste with the technical assistance of the European Union.

“Armenia reiterates her intention to develop nuclear energy which has a special place in the country’s energy development program. Only nuclear power can allow us to maintain the proper level of the country’s energy security and independence,” President Sargsyan stressed in his remarks.

Source: http://asbarez.com/115886/russia-offers-to-subsidize-nuclear-plant/
Tourism industry executives from Armenia and Russia’s St. Petersburg meet in Yerevan for round-table discussion

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Tourism industry executives from Armenia and Russia’s St. Petersburg met today in Yerevan for a round-table discussion on how to boost mutual tourist visits “This is a step that may make bilateral relations in tourism area closer and that gives an opportunity for establishing new ties and exchanging experience,” Maria Baghramyan, head of Yerevan municipality’s division in change of tourism, told ARKA News Agency.  “We are planning to organize fun trips and press tours in the future to make Yerevan more attractive for Petersburgers,” she said. Some 30 representatives of Armenian travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, education establishments training specialists in tourism and editors of tourist magazines were present at the meeting. At the round-table discussion, St. Petersburg was presented as a tourist product that will be interesting to Armenian tour operators.

 Source: http://arka.am

Former Ambassador Kovalenko: Armenia's Membership in Customs Union Increases its Prosperity

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Armenia's readiness to join the Customs Union meets its national interests, and will open up prospects for its development, will increase its prosperity and strengthen its position and prestige in the region and around the world, former Russian ambassador to Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalenko said today during a Moscow-Yerevan video conference.

"It is elementary, and it is unclear on what  Armenia’s aspiration to sign association agreement  with the EU was based, which would block, in my opinion, the only possible option for Yerevan to consolidate its allied relations with Russia through the Eurasian process ,"  said Kovalenko.

The diplomat said he never doubted that Armenia would  eventually choose the Eurasian integration, noting that the allied relations between Armenia and Russia are based not only on military-technical , trade and economic, but also on humanitarian cooperation.

"Humanitarian cooperation implies development of close human relationships: it is the Russian language, mutual enrichment between the two cultures, it is the planned opening of the branch of Moscow State University in Armenia,” said Kovalenko.

According to him, the creation of the Armenian branch of the University will allow young people from the southern regions of Russia to pursue higher education  not in Moscow but in Armenia and in the future to stay at homeland and serve it. He also stressed the importance of around 100 centers of Russian language in Armenia.

Director of the Caucasus Institute, Alexander Iskandaryan, said Armenia and Russia are interconnected by many threads, and neither side wants to cut them. "Russia is important for Armenia in terms of its security. Armenia in turn has strategic significance for Russia which wants to be present in the South Caucasus as a significant force,’ Iskandaryan said.

Director of the Armenian branch of the CIS Institute, Alexander Makarov, added that the military- political cooperation has always been a priority in relations between the two countries. "If we talk about economic cooperation, Russian investors are the main investors in Armenia, the Russian capital is present in almost all areas of the economy", he said.
Source: http://arka.am

Russian expert: Moscow can not ignore Armenian interests

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Russia is interested in keeping some balance in South Caucasus and for that reason it should develop relations both with Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Armenpress” reports making a reference on “RIA Novosti” that such opinion expressed Russian political expert Andrei Kazantsev. “By implementing such policy Russia will have opportunity to control the situation in its Southern borders,” he said. But experts think that it will not be easy for Russia to do so. “Armenia is the official ally of Russia, they are both members of Collective Security Treaty Organization,” said expert on international policy Andrei Suzdaltsev. In the opinion of experts the situation on Nagorno-Karabakh can have much more unpleasant continuation. Andrei Kazantsev mentioned that it is not accidental that Azerbaijan buys lots of weapons not only from Russia but also from the whole world. “In such situation it is very important that intermediary countries including Russia implement steps to weaken tension in the region,” he said.

Russian Commander: Russian Base’s Main Task is Defense of Armenian Air Space
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The Russian air base of Armenia will soon be equipped with new helicopters. The Commander of the Russian Aviation in Armenia Alexander Petrov told about it to the journalists after the solemn ceremony devoted to the 15th anniversary of the formation of the Russian air base in Armenia. “The Russian air base in Armenia will soon be modernized and expanded. We have already an agreement and works are being carried out”, - said Alexander Petrov. Armenpress reports that concerning the activity of the base, the Commander of the Russian Aviation in Armenia stated that the main task of the air base is to protect the air space of the Republic of Armenia, which has been done and will be done with honor. “During the fifteen years of our activities we have had both difficulties and good days. During this period of time we have accomplished all the tasks successfully and will continue working with the same readiness”, - said Alexander Petrov. On October 18 the 15th anniversary of the formation of the Russian air base in Armenia was celebrated in Erebuni Airport. 

Source: http://armenpress.am/eng/news/737026/

Colonel Andrey Ruzinsky: Russian Troops in Gyumri will Retaliate If Azerbaijan Attacks Artsakh


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Russian troops stationed in Armenia could openly side with it in case of a renewed Armenian-Azerbaijani war for Nagorno-Karabakh, according to their top commander, Colonel Andrey Ruzinsky.

 “If Azerbaijan decides to restore jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh by force the [Russian] military base may join in the armed conflict in accordance with the Russian Federation’s obligations within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO),” Ruzinksy told the Russian Defense Ministry’s “Krasnaya Zvezda” newspaper in a recent interview.

 Ruzinksy answered a question about the mission of the Russian base headquartered in Armenia’s second largest city of Gyumri. That mission was upgraded by a Russian-Armenian defense agreement signed in 2010. The agreement extended Russia’s basing rights in Armenia until 2044. It also committed Moscow to supplying its South Caucasus ally with more weapons and military hardware.

The Russian base, which numbers between 4,000 and 5,000 soldiers, has since been bolstered with modern weaponry, reportedly including Iskander-M tactical ballistic missiles. The Russian military also plans to deploy combat helicopters there soon. The Russian air force unit in Armenia currently has 16 MiG-29 fighter jets.

Armenian officials and pro-government politicians have claimed before that the 2010 defense pact mandates direct Russian military involvement in the Karabakh conflict if Azerbaijan acts on its threats to reconquer the disputed territory. Russian officials have not explicitly confirmed this in their public statements made until now.

The Russian troops in Armenia hold joint exercises and trainings with Armenian army units on a regular basis. Around a thousand soldiers from the two armies, backed up tanks, helicopters and artillery systems, practiced a joint military operation as recently as in August. According to Ruzinsky, more such war games are planned for next year. “I believe that we need to further develop our field cooperation, if I may put it way,” he said.

The Russian base commander also revealed to “Krasnaya Zvezda” that a group of his senior officers and their Armenian colleagues recently jointly toured “areas of combat engagement.” “We plan to increase such activities next year,” he said without elaborating.


Russian Expert: Armenia more free in decision-making than Russia

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Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union was extremely important not only for Russia but first of all for Armenia itself, according to director general of EurAsEC institute. Speaking at a press conference in Yerevan, Vladimir Lepekhin said that Armenia is much freer in taking decisions than Russia and can get lots of dividends from joining the CU. “This first of proceeds from Armenia’s interests and the country can set conditions for the CU membership and seek their realization,” he said.

According to him, Armenia’s main interests are tariffs for gas and the Customs Union membership will allow resolving the issue to Yerevan’s benefit. Lepekhin agreed that Russia is in a way dependent on the West. “The dependence is rather strong, however, Europe is even more dependent. It’s possible to reach an agreement with Russia, as the problems mostly refer to resources, but we can’t say the same about Europe,” Panorama.am quoted him as saying. According to Novosti Armenia, Lepekhin also said that the Customs Union is not an important geopolitical project but a union aiming to improve turnover between the member states.

 During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sept 3, Armenian leader Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs Union, with further plans to be involved in formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. Mr. Putin supported the initiative, voicing readiness to assist Armenia in the process. He also noted that Russian Railways may invest 15 billion rubles in development of Armenia's railway network. The Customs Union was formed in 2010 to include of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia; Kirghizia and Tajikistan later expressed willingness to join the Union.
Economists Say Membership in Armenia’s Best Interest
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A group of economists have drafted a research upon the initiative of the Eurasian Development Bank on “Economic Calculations of Armenia’s Integration Processes with the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.”

The group, lead by Ashot Tavadyan, head of the Faculty of Economic-Mathematical Methodology at the Yerevan State University of Economics, summing up the results of the four-month research told the press on Wednesday that in the event of Armenia’s membership in the Customs Union (CU) “an Armenian citizen will have a safer and better life”.

The economist shared an opinion that Armenia has not matured for European standards yet and could have found itself “in trouble”, just like Baltic countries have, if it entered the EU free trade area.

The experts have concluded that with the CU Armenia may have a 4-percent economic growth in the initial period, while in case of joining the EU free trade area that index would have ranged between two and three percent only (they referred to European experts’ analysis of Armenia’s Association Agreement with the EU to draw parallels).

As opposed to Bagrat Asatryan, former chairman of the Central Bank, who voiced rather pessimistic perspectives in this concern, Tavadyan claims the Customs Union agreement with Armenia is “about economic security, as part of security in general”.

“This is an agreement of unprecedented investments and employment growth,” stated Tavadyan. The economist says that the public transport fares will drop in Armenia, as Russia has promised to make a $470-million investment in that field.

“The other important factor is the $100 million investment by the Eurasian bank, which will ensure high tempo of economic growth in our country. As for the energy bloc, joining the CU means we will have a good chance of exploiting the nuclear power plant and building a new one in the future,” says Tavadyan, predicting that in the future Armenia, as a CU member, would import natural gas from Russia at a 30-percent cheaper price: today’s $270 per 1,000 cubic meter would cost $187.

“It will happen automatically, since the union ideology provides for fair competition, meaning that the gas tariff, in our case, would include only transportation and transit fees,” assures Tavadyan.

Another conclusion is that in the event of joining the CU Armenia's labor migrants would send 3 percent more remittances to Armenia, as they would have less trouble “finding employment and dealing with administrative issues”.

Richard Giragosian: Armenia is in danger of returning to a vassal state within the Russian orbit

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Armenia needs more maneuvers in handling its ties with the European Union and Russia in its foreign policies, an Armenia scholar said in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday. There are two agreements pending between the EU and Armenia -- the Association Agreement (AA), or political document for integration with the EU, and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), an economic and trade document with the EU, said Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Center. The two documents are closely related, said Giragosian.

 "The AA has largely been negotiated under understanding that the key component will be that DCFTA. Therefore, if that is removed, what is left is seriously diluted -- giving Armenia very little, and giving the EU much less," he said.

 Joining the Russia-led Customs Union closes the door for Armenia's access to European markets, and removes the availability of the DCFTA.

 "Therefore, the EU reaction has been extremely negative but on a justifiable ground: it was a complete surprise, and it endangered several years of commitments and negotiations between Armenia and the EU," he said.

 "More importantly, it also shows that EU investment and expectations in Armenia have been diminished. Therefore, Armenia is in danger of looking insincere and incompetent in the eyes of the EU," said Giragosian.

 Armenia will lose an opportunity for much bigger markets if it turns away from Europe, while the Customs Union offers Armenia nothing in terms of trade with Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), he said.

 Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has said that Armenia is ready to join the Russia-led Customs Union. Giragosian said Sargsyan took a very bold but unexpected decision to commit Armenia to joining the Customs Union at a recent meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In many ways this decision was a strategic mistake, which makes Armenia no longer be capable of signing the DCFTA with EU, he said.

 "Four years of negotiations between the EU and Armenia has now been rejected, and unfortunately Armenia is in danger of returning to a vassal state within the Russian orbit," he said. "Armenia for the past five years has been struggling to strengthen sovereignty and independence and to pursue a foreign policy designed to give more options and more space to Armenia to engage with the West while remaining a security partner of Russia."

 Yet, currently there is a reversal in this trend of diversification, and the real danger for Armenia now is that it is becoming a little more than a Russian garrison-state.

 Giragosian believed that economically Armenia is looking to the EU, while militarily it keeps a security agreement with Russia. "This balance is now in danger of being lost," he noted. Giragosian said that Armenia's decision might be a result of Russian pressure, which would reveal a deeper problem of the nature of the relationship or alliance between Russia and Armenia. If it was not a result of Russian pressure, that's another problem because it shows the weakness of the Armenian leadership and government, he said.

 But the real question for Ukraine, Moldova and other former Soviet states is how to balance the need to overcome isolation and the reality of having a strong, assertive and aggressive Russia on their borders, he said. Currently, Armenia has been actively developing ties beyond its reliance on Russia in the military cooperation, said Giragosian. It has deepened ties with NATO's Partnership for Peace Program as well as bilateral military ties with a number of other countries, including the United States, Germany and Greece.

 Giragosian also said that over the past four years Armenia has been negotiating with the EU, and the Russians have never protested, opposed nor blocked. What happened over the past several weeks was a rather late change in Moscow to exercise greater control, power and influence within the so-called near abroad -- the former Soviet states, added the scholar. He said that Russia's playing the Armenia card was a message of strength to the West, to the United States, and more importantly to Ukraine and Belarus.

 It is much more important strategically for Russia to bring Ukraine into the Customs Union. This is also linked to Russia's policy over Syria as well, in terms of confronting and containing any kind of Western or European interference within its own sphere of influence.

 "It is interesting that the Russian position is based on inherent weakness, not strength. And this is actually a desperate move to reinforce the decline in Russia's long-term power and influence," he said. "But I don't think over the long term it will work, because there is no incentive, this is more of stick than carrot. But for a small country like Armenia, it is going to be difficult to try to regain more options and more strategic maneuverability," said Giragosian.

 "Russian policy has been not very strategic -- a much shorter, tactical response, counterproductive I would argue as well. Because in the long run, Armenia within this EU framework is a win-win prospect," he said.

 He added that there has not been any danger of Russia losing Armenia as an ally in this region. Moreover, Armenia is the only reliable country for Russia in this region, the only member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the only country to host a Russian military presence.

 "Armenia should do a better job in actually manipulating its geographic isolation and vulnerability, and think strategically in longer term, rather than giving in too soon in exchange for a little benefit," noted Giragosian.
Former Russian Ambassador to Armenia is Indignant at Richard Giragosian

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The former ambassador of Russia to Armenia, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, comments on recent interview by political expert Richard  Giragosian with Arminfo news agency. Here is the full text of his commentary, as he asked: 

"In his recent interview with Arminfo news agency, the head of the Centre for Regional Studies, Richard Giragosian, has again cast doubt upon Armenia's decision to join the Customs Union. He said nothing new. Nevertheless, I think it is important to draw attention on arguments, which supporters of orientation towards  the EU (including Giragosian) use, saying that the way of further development chosen by Armenia is wrong. In this context, they separate not only the economic prospect  but also the fact that Armenia lost confidence as a partner of the western countries. Giragosian regrets that almost four years of work for signing of the Association Agreement and DCFTA with the EU which had to be signed in Vilnius in November of the current year, were in vain.  Coming forward from the position of Armenia's patriot, Giragosian regrets that from now on Brussels will start reducing its programmes that cost millions EUR, which were earlier foreseen for making reforms. In such an attitude I see, at least, two moments which do not enhance Mr Giragosian's "patriotic position". He seems to forget that not everything is sold in this world for money, that Armenia is sovereign state which does not accept diktat of the EU, and its conditions hidden under the pseudo-democratic principle "more for more".  What the EU offered in the form of the association relations, is not so much good for the national interests of Armenia. Why did the EU refuse Yerevan's aspiration to preserve its foreign political course, saying about incompatibility of Armenia's participation in the European integration and Eurasian processes simultaneously? The Europeans put the question point-blank" "either-or". which in fact would mean changing of the political course and canceling of the allied relations with Russia. Today, Giragosian says quite the contrary, that just joining the Customs Union will "become a dramatic changing of Armenia's course". He seems not to be aware that Moscow but not Brussels accepted both directions (European and Eurasian), and  thought that their simultaneous development is possible as they replenish  each other. Giragosian says nothing about it, but insists that Russia forced Armenia to refuse the European development course in order to please its empire ambitions.

Mr. Giragosian is not embarrassed to lie just to help the EU to save its face. He is not ashamed to call Armenia's position a shame, a strategic mistake, a lost opportunity. What he wants to say is that the EU is right in whatever it does, that its policy is a blessing for Armenia, while the Customs Union is nothing but a mistake for it. But by saying this he denies Armenia its right to choose.

What has the EU done for Armenia after all? Several millions EUR given to the country so it could unify the requirements to the products it makes for export, annual grants of some 200 million EUR, soft loans the country will have to repay one day and endless promises of financial assistance and investments. It's not very much, is it?

Kovalenko says that experts, like Mr.Giragosian, blame Russia for almost all difficulties and problems experienced by Armenia. "There is no secret in assessment of the trade, economic, and investment relations between the two countries. Russia is a major foreign trade partner of Armenia. Its annual investments total 3 bln USD (which is as much as the USA's investments throughout the period of Armenia's independence.  The private transfers from Russia to Armenia total 3 bln USD per annum. Russia is the key foreign labor market for Armenia's citizens. Big Russian investments in energy and communications are expected in relation to Armenia's decision to join the Customs Union", he says.

Kovalenko thinks that Mr.Giragosian should not frighten Armenia by hopeless future or loss of opportunities. "European commissioners realize this and are trying to make adjustments to the work with Armenia. Giragosian speaks about it frankly, but at the same time, he editorializes it, stressing that the context of cooperation will change, new demands will be put forward to the Armenian Government and the focus will be shifted from the ruling party and the Government to the opposition. Apparently, this means that the EU will actively start preparing a "fifth column" inside the country to trigger anti-governmental sentiments in the civil society and hold protest actions. Briefly speaking, this will lead to destabilization of the situation. If it is so, I'd like to recall that almost 80% of Armenia's citizens consider that the country's accession to the Customs Union will strengthen the economy and the national security system of Armenia.  This is an important remark and it should make the Armenian authorities take specific steps to formalize such sentiments of the overwhelming majority of the citizens and to switch them onto the track of public movement to support the Eurasian process. One shouldn't do such things half-way".
Georgian PM Doesn't Rule Out Eurasian Union

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While pledging to steer his country toward European integration, Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has also called for warmer relations with Moscow. He told Koba Liklikadze from RFE/RL's Georgian Service that he will not exclude the possibility that his country could one day join the Eurasian Union, an economic and political body proposed by Russia that would bring together some former Soviet nations.
 
RFE/RL: You recently praised Armenia for its measured foreign policies. Earlier this month, Yerevan announced its plans to join the Russia-led [Customs Union, a precursor to the] Eurasian Union. Do you consider the Eurasian Union to be strategically advantageous for Georgia, too?
 
Bidzina Ivanishvili: At this stage, when the Eurasian Union is being formed, as the head of the cabinet, I say the following: "I am closely monitoring and studying this issue. If it will be advantageous for our country, if it will bring it additional profits, and if, at the same time, it does not counter our strategy, which calls for Georgia's integration into the European Union and NATO, then why not? I will never allow our country to be experimented with! This is why we are watching and studying what the Eurasian Union really means. In the very long term Russia will become a member of the European Union. They are neighbors and they need each other. Russia will also become a NATO member and a close friend of the United States.
 
RFE/RL: But the European Union is not dominated by one nation. The Eurasian Union, by contrast, is dominated by Moscow, which imposes its rules of the game on other countries.
 
Ivanishvili: We will not join such a union! We have gotten rid of masters once and for all. We want freedom, the respect of all human rights, equality, democracy, and the formation of democratic institutions. Therefore we are watching what principles the Eurasian Union will choose. If it turns out to be what you describe, then, of course, we will not join it.
 
RFE/RL: You say that you don't know what the Eurasian Union really is. Do you fully understand what the European Union is, what regulations and challenges await Georgia before it can join the bloc?
 
Ivanishvili: What we appreciate about the European Union is, first and foremost, European values. Europeans are the most successful and interesting people. Human rights, a competitive market, and the absence of corruption -- this is what Europe is about. People always strive for a better life. The current economic crisis did cast a shadow on the European Union. But the crisis will end. Modern civilization has not created anything better than the European Union.
 
RFE/RL: You have toned down Georgia's rhetoric on Russia and appointed a special envoy for relations with Moscow. At the same time, you said at a recent a meeting of Georgian ambassadors that Russia responded by fencing off South Ossetia with barbed wire.
 
Ivanishvili: We have made positive steps with both sides, I want to stress that. Without Russia, our exports would not be able to reach the Russian market so easily. The biggest breakthrough was the resumption of trade and economic relations. At the meeting of ambassadors I noted that this positive development is at odds with the fact that Russian soldiers put up barbed wire. This is baffling. Of course we will try to develop our relations with Russia. But Russia is a huge country and I do not seek to reeducate it. We must be tolerant, principled, and at the same time constructive and diplomatic. We must not scream hysterically and engage in saber rattling, like in the past.
 EurasiaNet: Georgia: Tbilisi Bracing for Russian Pressure

Georgia and the EU: Taking steps forward together? (Photo: European Commission)

Officials and political analysts in Tbilisi believe the Kremlin is ready to reach deep into its bag of tricks to try to coerce Georgia into ditching its European Union membership ambitions and embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Eurasian Union vision.

Georgia traditionally has been the most pro-Western state in the South Caucasus. But in the almost year since Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream coalition gained control of parliament, Georgia’s stance toward Russia has softened somewhat.

On November 28, during a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, Georgia is expected to move closer to the European Union when it is expected to initial an Association Agreement, a major step toward potential EU membership. The agreement, which is also on the table for Ukraine and Moldova, will gradually reduce obstacles for closer economic ties with Brussels.

 Some Georgians believe that prospect makes Moscow nervous -- not only because it will expand EU influence in a region the Kremlin still considers its “backyard,” but it will also place an economic obstacle between Russia and Georgia’s southern neighbor, Armenia, the lone Caucasian country to sign on to the Eurasian Union’s precursor, a Customs Union with Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

 Georgian State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Aleksi Petriashvili on October 9 predicted to reporters that Russia plans “to use all the levers available to it to exert pressure [on Georgia]” before it initials the Association Agreement.

Speculation began about Tbilisi’s intentions after an offhand observation last month from Ivanishvili that Georgia might consider joining Russia’s Eurasian Union, if it proved “interesting.”

 Zurab Abashidze, a former Georgian ambassador to Moscow who represents Tbilisi in negotiations with Russia over humanitarian and economic issues, stressed that the Georgian government is not discussing the Eurasian Union with the Kremlin, or any sort of compromise on Tbilisi’s policy of European integration.

 While support among Georgians for the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains strong (76 percent of 3,838 respondents in a recent poll for the National Democratic Institute), a chance exists that the public -- particularly in impoverished, rural areas -- could switch sides if Moscow makes the right offer, said Kornely K. Kakachia, a political-science professor at Tbilisi State University.

 “If you ask people at the end of the day; ‘which one is more important, territorial integrity or Western integration?’ I am not sure Western integration will prevail,” Kakchia commented. The fact that many Georgians understand the EU integration process more in terms of theoretical advantages tomorrow than immediate gains today plays into this risk, he continued. “Moscow knows this, and Moscow tries to utilize it.”

In the wake of the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia, fences installed by Russian troops in Tbilisi-controlled territory as the “state border” of breakaway South Ossetia constitutes one of the ways Moscow is attempting to apply that pressure, Kakchia and other analysts believe.

Beginning in roughly 2009, Russian troops have been installing barbed wire and fences within areas of separatist-controlled South Ossetia that neighbor on Tbilisi-controlled territory. In recent months, though, they have moved the “border” into Tbilisi-controlled lands, effectively incorporating Georgian orchards, cemeteries and houses into breakaway South Ossetia.

Denounced by Tbilisi’s Western allies and, in a United Nations speech, by President Mikheil Saakashvili, the fence-building appears to have paused for now, Interior Ministry spokesperson Kakha Kemoklidze told EurasiaNet.org on October 11.

But the fences “squandered” any chance that existed for Tbilisi and Moscow to mend relations, much less consider an economic alliance, said Tornike Sharashenidze, a professor of international affairs at the Georgian Institute for Public Affairs and the former director of the NATO Information Center in Tbilisi.

While ordinary Georgians possibly “are not very well aware of … the benefits of the European Union, … they cannot help but see the aggression of Russia,” Sharashenidze said.

 Political analyst Alexander Rondeli, founder of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies, agrees. “[With the fences] they show everyone -- and Georgians first of all -- that everything, all negotiations, are by Russian rules,” Rondeli said. “It is [a] classical, old strategy: the powerful do as they wish, and the weak do what they can.”

 Ivanishvili himself has said he does not plan to visit the affected villages since his presence “will do nothing.” Officials maintain that the fences are the fault of the 2008 war with Russia under President Saakashvili, but conceivably could be used to pressure Georgia to join the Eurasian Union. Yet the potential pressure points go beyond fences.

The Russian Federal Security Bureau (FSB) announced on October 4 that it has unearthed an international arms-smuggling ring, which it claims has been moving weapons from Georgian-controlled territory via South Ossetia into Russia’s North Ossetia. Tbilisi has not yet responded to the claims. Such allegations often accompany upticks in tension over South Ossetia.

Another barb aims at a Georgian weak spot, the economy. Just three months after Russia reopened its markets to Georgian alcohol and mineral water, the Russian state consumer-protection agency RosPotrebNadzor once again began questioning the quality of imported Georgian wine. Georgian wine producers, in the past have emphasized that they have diversified away from the Russian market.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry did not respond to questions in time for publication. Abashidze, the Georgian envoy, underlined that, no matter Moscow’s actions, Tbilisi intends to stand firm on its desire to gain eventual membership in Euro-Atlantic structures. “We stated from the very beginning that we know Russia has red lines … and we have our red lines -- territorial integrity and our free choice in international relations,” he said. “These principals cannot be discussed.”

 Source: http://www.eurasianet.org/node/67629

EU Will Not Sign Agreement with Armenia, Commissioner Says
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EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule told journalists in Yerevan Friday that the European Union will not sign any documents with Armenia at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius, scheduled for late November.

“The agreement on a deep and comprehensive free trade area is part of the Association Agreement. It is a single document, and one can not be separated from the other,” Fule said after an informal meeting of foreign ministers of the Eastern Partnership program’s member countries in Yerevan.
 
Asked about the possibility of preparing a document providing a new format of cooperation between the EU and Armenia, Fule said that such a serious document can not be prepared prior to the Vilnius summit. He added, however, that the EU does not refuse further cooperation with Armenia.
 
Speaking at the meeting, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said, “Over the past years, in cooperation with our European colleagues, the Armenian government implemented large-scale reforms, particularly in the areas of strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law, good governance, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, improvement of election processes and the electoral code, and the development of civil society.” Nalbandian added, “We are thankful for that support and look forward to continuing our reforms in the future.”
 
The Minister underlined that Armenia has allied relations with Russia, and this was the reason behind the decision to join the Customs Union.
 
“We have said on many occasions that we are ready to launch close cooperation with the European Union, but not at the expense of our strategic partner,” Nalbandian stated.
 
“Armenia is determined to maintain and advance the achievements and progress registered in the course of its relations with the European Union over the past years,” Edward Nalbandian said.
 
Stefan Fule, who was also at the meeting in Yerevan, stated, “The EU remains committed to advancing the Eastern Partnership with all six partner countries. Our intentions and policies are clear, transparent, predictable and differentiable – reflecting the ambitions of our partners and their commitment to values and principles that form the basis of our relations. We have always acted in this way and will continue to do so – in the run up to the Vilnius summit and beyond.”
 
“We are not in the business of building walls. We are in the process that could eventually lead to a free trade zone between Lisbon and Vladivostok,” Commissioner Fule said.
 
“The development of the Eurasian Union project must respect our partners’ sovereign decisions. Any threats from Russia linked to the possible signing of agreements with the European Union are unacceptable. The European Union will support and stand by those who are subject to undue pressures,” he said.
 
“I’ve come to understand what Armenia’s expectations are from the Vilnius Summit,” Commissioner Fule said, adding that the AA/DCFTA are part of one treaty that cannot be separated.
 
“The greatest expectations are connected with the Association Agreement and the creation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. Such agreements will be signed with Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia,” Fule explained, noting that Armenia’s announcement about its plans to join the Customs Union will not allow it to initial the Association Agreement, which had been negotiated for three years.
 
As for the statement made by the EU Delegation to Armenia on the recent violent incidents against activists and human rights defenders, the Commissioner said: “The EU has expressed deep concerns and called on Armenian authorities to take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
 
Moldova’s Foreign Minister Natalia German stated that despite pressures, Moldova is ready to sign the Association Agreement. The Georgian and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers expressed the same.

Protests against joining Customs Union outside presidential residence

Protest against Armenia's decision to join Customs Union

A protest rally against Armenia’s joining the Customs Union was held outside presidential residence. The rally participants believe that by joining the CU, Armenia will make a step towards restoration of the USSR. Protesters are demanding resignation of President Serzh Sargsyan. As Heritage party representative David Sanasaryan told journalists, those gathered aim to express determination in disallowing a non-elected president or other officials to play games with Armenia’s sovereignty.
A clash broke out between the demonstrators and the police when the formers tired to gather in front of the presidential residence. Several activists were detained. The Asparez club chair and National Self-Determination Union leader Paruyr Hayrikyan participated in the action, with the latter noting that Armenia’s jointing the CU should have been decided through a referendum rather than the president alone, tert.am said. Those detained are expected to be released after a report is drawn up. Several demonstrators marched to the police department to support their friends.
The rally was planned in Facebook, with the further actions to be coordinated in the social network. Earlier, Armenia expressed intention to join Customs Union, with further plans to be involved in formation of EurAsEC. Russian President Vladimir Putin supported the initiative, voicing readiness to assist Armenia in the process. He also noted that Russian Railways may invest 15 billion rubles in development of Armenia's railway network. The Customs Union was formed in 2010 to include of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia; Kirghizia and Tajikistan later expressed willingness to join the Union.
Russia Has Never Guaranteed Our Security, Paruyr Hayrikyan says

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Seeking an alternative to the European Union and finding a refuge in the Customs Union means having health problems, leader of the National Self-Determination Union Paruyr Hayrikyan told a press conference today. According to him, for Moscow the Customs Union means restoration of the USSR and improvement of Russia’s image. Paruyr Hayrikyan’s opinion about the Customs Union is definitely negative. He believes that the EU will once expand its borders involving both Russia and Armenia. However, Armenia will then join the EU as an annex. Hayrikyan considers that the Customs Union will not exist long, as it has been created artificially to raise Russia’s price. The explanations that Armenia chose the Customs Union because of security consideration are also unacceptable to Paruyr Hayrikyan. Referring to some historic events, he noted that Russia has never ensured our security and added that NATO is the main guarantor of security.
Hairikyan believes that Putin wants to restore the Russian empire

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On September 14, during a meeting in Georgian village Tekali, Paruyr Hayrikyan presented his book “To absolute democracy”. In particular, he said,- “We all, Armenian, Georgian and Azerbaijani peoples, are the victims of the Bolshevik dictatorship. All our problems are coming from there. We need to always realize it and understand that when there is no mutual understanding in us, it means the the dictatorship is ruling that is imposed on us. It is very important for us that we take our fate in our hands. The main problem in the post-Soviet period was that not people solve the problem, but the KGB’s former agents, in other words, the Bolshevik Empire now continues to exist with new rules, but the idea is still dominating. The issue of Armenian-Georgian border is a minor problem, but someone would like Armenians and Georgians live in peace, they managed to involve Azerbaijanis deep in the conflict, now they want Armenians to get into conflict with Georgians, then Armenia’s dependence on Russia will grow. They already succeeded in doing a lot. In recent days, all Armenians were shocked at how it turned out, we were saying that we live in European values, we are going to Europe, suddenly, one day, the President made a sole statement that no, we prefer Putin Russia. It does not refer to Russia, the matter is about Putin Russia. And who is Putin? Putin regrets that the peoples liberated from the Soviet empire, he has repeatedly said, we were forced to call the Soviet Union, but it was Russia, the Russian empire, and our goal is to restore the Russian empire.”

 Hovannisian Condemns Deal With Russia


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Opposition leader Raffi Hovannisian described membership in the customs union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan as a grave threat to Armenia’s independence as he again rallied supporters in Yerevan on Friday.
 
Hovannisian added the Armenian government’s pledge to join the union to a list of reasons why he believes President Serzh Sarkisian should step down. He said Sarkisian “single-handedly decided to subordinate Armenia’s sovereignty to others in a humiliating manner.”
“A government that steals elections, attacks citizens, ruins cultural values, fails to solve crimes in the army and elsewhere … and takes a step in Moscow that is not anti-American or anti-European but anti-Armenian,” he told several hundred people in the city’s Liberty Square.
 
The Zharangutyun (Heritage) party leader, who was Sarkisian’s main challenger in the February 2013 presidential election, called for the creation of a broad-based “national renewal front” that would campaign for regime change. “If we don’t come out of our corners and create that powerful fist nobody will forgive us for the loss of statehood,” he said.
 
“Armenia’s independence is jeopardized,” Zaruhi Postanjian, an outspoken Zharangutyun parliamentarian, said in a speech at the rally.
 
Hovannisian launched what he described as a new campaign of anti-government protests late last month, shortly before Sarkisian announced his decision on the customs union in Moscow. He has failed to pull large crowds so far.
 
The U.S.-born oppositionist called on other opposition and civic groups to join in the campaign ahead of the latest rally. Only a handful of small groups and individual figures heeded the appeal, however. Among them was Paruyr Hayrikian, another former presidential candidate who spent more than a decade in Soviet prisons for campaigning for Armenia’s independence.
 
Of all opposition represented in the Armenian parliament, only Zharangutyun and the Free Democrats party have explicitly rejected Armenia’s accession to the customs union. 
Human rights activist to appeal decision on joining Customs Union
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A leading human rights activist in Armenia is going to appeal the decision on joining the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan that was announced by President Serzh Sargsyan last month. At a press conference on Monday Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office head Artur Sakunts said that the decision announced in Moscow on September 3 was “not taken democratically, by means of discussions and consultations”, and contradicted earlier statements by power bodies. Sakunts said that he would seek the Constitutional Court’s declaring the decision illegal. The September 3 declaration by President Sargsyan following talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin came as a U-turn in the policies of Armenia that for several years before that sought an associated status with the European Union. In the wake of this major geopolitical decision officials in Brussels said that no agreement on association and forming a deep and comprehensive free trade area would be signed with Armenia at the upcoming EU Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.


Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan sees dangers of restrictions on press freedom in Armenia

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Head of the Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan fears that restrictions on freedom of speech will become a “more and more serious challenge” in Armenia in the time to come.
 
Navasardyan, who is also the national coordinator of the Eastern Partnership Civil Platform, links these concerns to the “lowered interest” of Armenia in deepening relations with the West, in particular with the European Union.

Now we have found ourselves in a little bit different situation [he refers to the choice of the Russian-led Customs Union over European integration] and it can be predicted that maybe not that fast, not in a very active and cruel manner, but restrictions on freedom of expression will grow to become a more and more serious challenge in Armenia and in that case the unwillingness of individual journalists to work in that situation, under such conditions will be understandable to me,” said Navasardyan.
 
The Yerevan Press Club’s president says the information field went through great disappointment after the elections.
 
“In fact, our well-known concern that the fairly high quality of election coverage was not so much a reflection of the freedom of speech as a matter of clear instructions from the government has been justified. Though, it is not bad either, but the instruction to be free should be for as long a period as possible, so that it becomes a customary thing for the media. Unfortunately, this period was too short for the tradition of being free to stay with some of our media representatives,” says Navasardyan.
 
International observers who monitored the most recent elections in Armenia positively evaluated the election campaign coverage, stressing that all the candidates and political parties had an equal chance of being covered.
 
Navasardyan emphasizes that only in the election period when Armenia was in the center of attention of the international community and, in fact, only due to the influence of external factors, the country managed to have a more or less positive period in terms of press freedom.
 
Editor-in-chief of Hetq.am Edik Baghdasaryan, known for his journalistic investigations, recently raised the issue of the distortion of the media environment and authorities’ taking media under their immediate control. He expressed the opinion that “Armenia’s authorities have managed to destroy the media field where journalists no longer are able to find their place and find themselves in an extremely hopeless condition, as the entire media field, and the journalistic profession, are distorted.”
 
“The media have become the most controlled field in Armenia. Control over materials, subjects, organization of their publication have become precise. The problem is that traditional sources of information no longer work. There is no longer a need to conduct journalistic investigations (and it often takes months), to find your own sources of information to present one issue or another comprehensively. Now sources of information have their own media and are able to spread the information at once framing it the way that suits them most. Now every official and department have their media,” Baghdasaryan said to Media.am.
 
Meanwhile, government representatives in Armenia have stressed on various occasions that freedom of the press and expression has not been subjected to pressure during Serzh Sargsyan’s presidency. And Sargsyan himself several times in his public speeches described it as one of the greatest achievements of his leadership.
Ter-Petrosyan sees no alternative to Sargsyan’s resignation

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Opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan believes that President Serzh Sargsyan must resign immediately if he is “sincerely concerned about the future of Armenia and Artsakh”.
 
 The ex-president made this call in an article published on ilur.am on Wednesday. Ter-Petrosyan, in particular, pointed out Sargsyan’s “adventurist” foreign policy due to which, he contended, Armenia is now viewed as an unreliable partner both in the West and in Russia.

The opposition leader clearly referred to Sargsyan’s volte-face in announcing last month Armenia’s decision to join the Russia-led Customs Union, calling into question the prospect of further political and economic integration with the European Union.
 
“Speaking in chess terminology, Sargsyan has appeared in a zugzwang situation in which any move he makes will lead to a defeat. Each day of his rule is a loss for Armenia and Artsakh,” asserted Ter-Petrosyan.
 
The ANC leader suggested that if Sargsyan agrees to resign, his move should not entail a “political vendetta”. Moreover, he said, the National Assembly must provide full immunity to his person and property.
 
Ter-Petrosyan emphasized that Armenia needs a new president “capable of restoring the country’s international reputation as a trustworthy and responsible partner.” At the same time, the former leader made it clear that he would not run for the top post should a presidential election be held. Moreover, he said that his successor Robert Kocharyan must not seek to return to power either “not least because he brought Sargsyan to power” through a deadly suppression of post-election street protests in March 2008.
 
“Time is running out. And if Serzh Sargsyan, as I already mentioned, has found himself in a zugzwang situation, then the Armenian people are in a time-trouble situation,” the ANC leader concluded.

Source: http://armenianow.com/news/politics/49637/armenia_opposition_leader_levon_terpetrosyan_serzh_sargsyan_resignation

Protest Turns Explosive in Yerevan

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Violence erupted on Mashtots Avenue on Nov. 5 as dozens of protesters clashed with police. The demonstration was sparked by a call for revolution by activist Shant Harutyunyan.

As over a hundred protesters gathered to embark on what police say was an “unauthorized” march to the Presidential Palace, they encountered resistance by law enforcement officials. Some of the activists hurled small gas-filled bottles that exploded upon impact. Others swung wooden batons at officers. Reportedly, up to 200 law-enforcement officials—including Special Forces and SWAT teams—were deployed to the scene. Some 20 activists were arrested, including Harutyunyan, while around ten police officers suffered injuries.

Just before clashes with the police, Harutyunyan told journalists that he and his supporters were prepared to fight until the last man.  He said they were armed with homemade explosives, batons, and rocks, among other things. Harutyunyan began a sit-in at Liberty Square on Oct. 31, next to a propped up sign that read, “I Am Starting a Revolution.”

Many among the protesters wore Guy Fawkes masks, a symbol of resistance, as well as the face of activists who identify themselves as Anonymous. The group Anonymous has no leader, and is made up of activists and hacktivists who work collectively towards a certain goal while maintaining anonymity. In recent years, activists around the world have designated Nov. 5—the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and an attempt to assassinate King James I of England—as a day of protest against repression and injustice. This year, activists worldwide called for a Million Mask March through social networking sites. The “Heghapokhoutyun” (Revolution) Facebook page was set up in mid-September, posting content aimed at inspiring revolution, and quotes from Harutyunyan.

Earlier in the week, in an interview with CivilNet, Harutyunyan said, “Are there those in this population of three million who are prepared to take risks, to make sacrifices, and to endanger their own lives in order to protect a dignified life and a dignified death? I don’t know whether there are such people… but I imagine that if I am one such man, there must be others. And if there are such people, they will come and join me and pick up a bottle of gasoline. I have two hands and the most I can lift are two bottles of gasoline, and that I will do. But if I had 200 hands, I’d lift 200 bottles of gasoline…”

In an interview with Kentron TV in August, Harutyunyan talked about a “Revolution of Values” that the country needed, and said that among those who had played a formative role in the development of his ideas were Njdeh, Napoleon, Hitler, and Nietzsche. On multiple occasions he has invoked the French Revolution as inspiration, as well as the principles of “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.” 

He has been outspoken in his criticism of the Armenian government, which he considers a “slave” of the Kremlin.


Wall Street Journal: EU Stunned by Armenia U-Turn
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European diplomats have been stunned this week by the announcement that Armenia, which had been on track to strengthen ties with the European Union in November, will instead join a customs union led by Russia. Armenia was expected to initial an “association agreement” with the EU at a summit in Vilnius, strengthening trade relations while committing Armenia to democratic reforms.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin has been turning up the pressure on the countries sandwiched between Russia and the EU, pushing them to join forces with its own customs union and not the EU. The customs Union includes Belarus and Kazakhstan, but Russia is widely seen as the dominant partner. In the case of Armenia, Russia has powerful leverage because it’s the country’s natural-gas supplier and can determine the price of fuel. Thousands of Russian troops are based in Armenia and Moscow has formal security guarantees in place which have bolstered Armenia in its bitter conflict with Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Even so, the intensity of what Europeans see as Russian pressure tactics and the speed of Armenia’s U-turn have spooked Europeans. It was just six weeks ago – July 24 – that the EU completed years of talks with Armenia on the association accord and Armenian officials were assuring their Brussels counterparts that there would be no stepping back. While Mr. Putin said Tuesday it was Armenia’s decision to join the bloc, few in Brussels doubt that Armenia’s abrupt policy change came because Moscow raised the costs of pursuing closer EU ties.

“The pressures on Armenia were known, and in that sense it is not a surprise,” said Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, a senior member of the European Parliament. “But the fact that the pressure succeeded in getting Armenia, under force if you wish, to change its decision—that is a surprise, and we profoundly regret it.”

Armenia’s shift was announced Tuesday in a statement posted on the Kremlin website during a meeting between Mr. Putin and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. The question now is whether Armenia’s move foreshadows similar decisions from other countries to the EU’s east. Countries in the Moscow-led customs union cannot be integrated into the EU, European officials say, because they have effectively ceded sovereignty over trade issues to Russia. This bloc is scheduled to evolve in 2015 into a more comprehensive Eurasian Economic Union, which Russian leaders foresee as a counterweight to the EU.

Armenia’s economy is relatively small, with a GDP of €7.5 billion. But Tuesday’s decision was a blow in part because EU leaders had conducted a long negotiation with the country over the association deal, and they saw its apparently successful conclusion as a diplomatic victory. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt reflected the widespread frustration among European leaders in a tweet: “Armenia negotiated 4 years to get Association Agreement with EU. Now President prefers Kremlin to Brussels.”

One Western diplomat with knowledge of the situation said Armenia had negotiated with the EU in good faith, but “they themselves did not expect this kind of pressure from Russia.” He said the EU will continue to work with Armenia on issues like easing visa procedures, and that Armenia could change direction yet again as it confronts Russia’s dominance within the customs union.

In a press statement after meeting Mr. Putin, President Sargsyan said: “This is a rational decision, it is a decision based on Armenia’s national interests. The decision is not a rejection of our dialogue with European institutions,” according to a transcript on the Kremlin’s web site. Armenia’s move illustrates the stepped-up pressure from Russia on countries that find themselves pulled between East and West, and could mean trouble for others considering linking with the EU. Ukraine, for example, is expected to sign its own long-awaited EU association agreement at the November summit, and Moldova and Georgia are scheduled to tentatively initial such deals at the same time—as was Armenia, until Tuesday.

“It is the general context which is so worrying,” Mr. Saryusz-Wolski said. “This pressure concerns all the four countries on the road to association. It’s part of the wider picture, and the fear that it might provoke a domino effect.” EU officials’ surprise was evident Wednesday in their hesitant initial responses. “We are seeking further clarification from the Armenian side,” said Maja Kocijancic, an EU foreign affairs spokeswoman. “Then we will be able to assess the implications.”

A European diplomat called Armenia’s switch a “wake-up call” on Russia’s aggressiveness. But he said it doesn’t necessarily follow that other countries will spurn the EU; Georgian leaders remain deeply angry over Russia’s 2008 invasion of their country, while Ukraine and Moldova have made strong public commitments to Europe. And Armenia is especially vulnerable to Russia. Most of Armenia’s energy network is Russian-owned or managed, and Russia is deeply involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is central to Armenia’s security.

“So Armenia is a very special case, as is Belarus. But I’m not sure that the Russians will find it so easy to pull off the same trick with Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine or Azerbaijan,” the European diplomat said. “We have still away to go to Vilnius and I think Vilnius can still be a big success – even without Armenia.”

The battle over the EU’s Eastern Partnership—which includes Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Belarus—is only one of the current flash points between Europe and Russia. Russia has complained about EU rules that force the splitting of giant energy utilities, with Mr. Putin repeatedly accusing Brussels of “confiscating” Russia’s investment in some EU countries. The EU, for its part, became the first entity to take Russia to the World Trade Organization over special taxes Moscow imposes on vehicle imports. European officials also blame Moscow for blocking efforts to isolate Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Vladimir Socor: The End of “Complementarity” in Armenia’s Foreign Policy

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“Complementarity,” the term purportedly denoting Armenia’s policy of balance between Russia and the West, has reached the end of the road, and that end is Russia.

 Long assumed to be the guiding principle of Armenia’s foreign policy, “complementarity” has lost any meaning with Armenia’s decision to join the Russia-led Customs Union and prospectively the Eurasian Union. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Serzh Sargsyan jointly announced that decision on September 3, and the Armenian government started on September 7 the drafting of accession documents for the Customs Union (see EDM, September 5, 6, 11)

 Yerevan’s choice, in effect, repudiates the European Union’s offer to conclude association and trade agreements with Armenia—an offer that the United States had also encouraged Yerevan to embrace. Instead, Armenia’s decision in favor of Russia’s economic bloc, compounding Yerevan’s military alliance with Moscow, brings the process of Russia’s satellization of Armenia close to completion.
     
As described by the prominent analyst Richard Giragosian (a rare critic in Yerevan of the September 3 decision), the “complementarity” principle supposedly combined reliance on Russia to protect Armenia militarily with reliance on the West to promote Armenia’s economic development (News.Am, Arminfo, September 6).

 That duality, however, never applied in practice. The administrations of presidents Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sargsyan allowed Russia to establish an overwhelming economic presence in Armenia. That, along with endemic local corruption, discouraged Western investment generally and even the Armenian diaspora’s investment in Armenia. By farming out the economy to Russia, the two Karabakhi presidents ensured Moscow’s support for their rule in Yerevan and freezing the resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.
     
The long-serving minister of foreign affairs, Vardan Oskanian, had often invoked complementarity as the operational concept of Armenia’s foreign policy. In essence, however, this reflected neither equidistance between Russia and the West, nor a balanced pursuit of military interests and economic interests with Russia and the West, respectively.
          
Complementarity had long become a rhetorical device, behind which Armenia was falling more deeply into military and economic dependence on Russia. As early as 2004, the Russian Duma’s chairman, Boris Gryzlov, congratulated Armenia for turning into “Russia’s outpost in the South Caucasus.” Some in Armenia felt shocked by this description because it accurately summarized the process under way (PanArmenian.Net, December 17, 2004). That phrase remains a defining, oft-quoted byword in Armenia’s political debates to this day. Increasingly, Russian-Armenian relations took on the logic of relations between the metropolis and its outpost or exclave, as some Armenian observers conclude retrospectively (Lragir, September 4, 9).

 Armenia’s main political parties basically support or accept Sargsyan’s decision on joining Russia’s Customs Union project. In this sense, the strategic choice rests on a political consensus across party lines. No coherent public debate can yet be observed in Yerevan on the economic merits of joining the Customs Union. Instead, politicians representing the main political parties justify this economic choice with reference to national security considerations. Explicitly or implicitly, this means Russian military protection of Armenian territorial gains at Azerbaijan’s expense.

 Complementarity’s demise was not a pre-determined outcome. It is largely a result of Yerevan’s need for Russian support to maintain the occupation of six districts inside Azerbaijan, beyond Upper Karabakh.

 Having renounced the European Union’s offer of association and trade agreements, Yerevan takes the position that it can only cooperate with the EU to an extent that would not contradict Armenia’s commitment to Russia’s Customs Union project. Foreign Affairs Minister Eduard Nalbandian rushed to Brussels and Vilnius to inform the European Commission and the EU’s Lithuanian presidency of Armenia’s policy shift. The Armenian government made the same explanations to the EU’s Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Fuele, in Yerevan (Arminfo, News.Am, September 11).

 Limiting relations with the EU, as a deliberate policy, to a level that would not impinge on relations with Russia, means to all intents and purposes a Russia-First orientation; and Yerevan’s statements to that effect amount to an unofficial obituary of the “complementarity” policy.

 “Armenia has said Yes to Putin and No to the European Union,” noted the European People’s Party (EPP, umbrella organization of Europe’s center-right and Christian-Democrat parties) in a statement deploring Yerevan’s decision. The EPP had strongly encouraged Yerevan and Brussels to conclude the association and trade agreements. The Christian-Democrats’ support all but guaranteed parliamentary ratification of those agreements in Europe, had these been signed. Instead, a disappointed EPP reminded Yerevan that the Customs Union would turn Armenia and other acceding countries into “Russia’s satellites” (PanArmenian.Net, RFE/RL, September 6).

 If “complementarity’s” Western dimension ever operated in any real, practical sense, it was by using Armenian diaspora advocacy groups in the West to support Yerevan’s policy objectives. This activity was particularly visible in the US Congress, often contradicting the US administration’s policy objectives or complicating US relations with allied Turkey and strategic partner Azerbaijan.

 Thus, Armenian advocacy groups and their allies unsuccessfully opposed the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, successfully opposed the Kars-Tbilisi-Baku railroad project (blocking EximBank funding for it), successfully imposed parity on US government funding of cooperation with Azerbaijan and Armenia, blocked or derailed several US ambassadorial appointments to the region, and urged US recognition of a “genocide” against Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, in the knowledge that such recognition would explode US-Turkey relations (2015 will be a watershed year in this as yet unsuccessful campaign). Insofar as they negatively affect Washington’s allies and partners, those public advocacy efforts should lose credibility when traceable to a government in Yerevan that has dropped “complementarity’s” façade, choosing full-fledged satellization by Russia.
Slate: Russia’s Empire Strikes Back

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"Right makes might, and not the other way around," President Obama said in the Rose Garden a few weeks ago. We all know what he meant: In this age of soft power, great countries can win friends not through the use of brute force but through their books and movies, their sophisticated economies, their technological innovations, and, above all, through their attractive and inspiring national ideals. 
 
Maybe that's true, some of the time. But for those who find soft power difficult to wield, hard power is still available. Indeed, in the very same week that the American president made his Rose Garden speech, events on the other side of the globe were proving that might certainly can make right. Even while the world's attention was fixed on Russian-American diplomacy in Syria, back home Russian President Vladimir Putin was pulling off a much quieter but potentially more significant diplomatic coup. After three years of intensive negotiations, Armenia, Russia's neighbor, had been on the brink of signing an association agreement, including a comprehensive trade agreement, with the European Union. But on Sept. 3—right in the middle of the Syria crisis—the Armenian government abruptly declared that it would drop the whole project. Rather than aligning itself with the world's largest free-trade zone and some of the world's most sophisticated democracies, Armenia decided to stick with Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, and to join the Eurasian Customs Union instead.  
 
No one pretends that Armenia was attracted by Russia's soft power. By way of explanation, President Serzh Sargsyan explained that Armenia depends on Russia for it security, and that Armenia has a large diaspora living in Russia. This sounds odd: Most security alliances, NATO included, don’t require their members to join a customs union, and the presence of immigrants in one country doesn't usually affect trade policy in another. But Armenia has been made anxious in recent weeks by Russian diplomatic overtures toward Azerbaijan, Armenia's main rival, as well as by anti-immigrant rhetoric from Russian officials. The Armenians took the hint: If they signed the trade deal with Europe, Russia might sell more arms to their rival and expel the Armenians who live in Russia.

 The Armenians were no doubt watching Russian moves elsewhere in their immediate neighborhood, where a distinct pattern is emerging. On Sept. 11, Russia banned the import of Moldovan wine, on the grounds that it is a "health hazard." Ukrainian chocolates have suffered the same fate. Another old tactic, the use of gas pricing and supply as a tool of political influence, is being resurrected in Ukraine as well. In essence—and I'm summarizing here—the Russians have let the Ukrainians understand that if they drop their own negotiations with Europe and join the Eurasian Customs Union, the price of the gas they import from Russia could drop by more than half.

 It's an excellent offer, so much so that—examined objectively—it seems extraordinary that the Ukrainians have not accepted it already. But Ukraine is hesitating, and has been for some time. Even the country's most Russo-philic politicians know that the decision represents not a short-term financial decision but a long-term civilizational choice, between the relatively open markets and open politics of Europe and the closed world of the former Soviet Union. One Armenian opposition politician explained the consequences of his country's decision to choose Russia over Europe like this: "Armenia, by choosing the customs union instead of agreements with the EU will remain a country of oligarchs and monopolies just like Russia."

Yet when examined objectively, it seems extraordinary that the Russians want their neighbors to make that kind of choice, too. Surely it's in Russia's own interests to share borders with countries that have broad international contacts, faster economic growth, access to Western markets, and therefore wealthier domestic consumers, who could buy Russian goods. Surely it's in Russia's own interests, in the long term, to have similar access to Western markets itself. If Europe did manage to craft association agreements with Armenia, Ukraine, and Moldova, there’s no reason to think that a similar arrangement with Russia would not eventually follow.

The explanation is as straightforward as it is sad: Russia's ruling elite, led by President Putin, does not act in Russia’s interests. Russian elites act in their own interests. At the moment, they are convinced that economic nationalism and the language of neo-imperialism will win them popular support, and possibly private profits. I wonder how long the rest of the Russians will put up with it.

Stratfor: 'Armenia's accession to Customs Union will change entire Caucasus's geopolitics'

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Armenia's Sept. 3 decision to join the Russian-led Customs Union solidifies Yerevan's place in Moscow's push to integrate former Soviet states into its orbit while limiting the influence of the West. Armenia's eventual accession to the economic bloc effectively closes the discussion over the country's inclusion into similar EU-led trade deals, and a day after Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian declared his country's intentions to join the Customs Union, the Armenian Parliament canceled hearings it was to hold over negotiations with the European Union regarding its association and free trade agreements. The decision will also impact the ongoing political evolution in the Caucasus region and could bring Armenia's neighbor Georgia further into Russia's economic and political orbit as well.
 
Analysis


Armenia has long maintained close economic ties with Russia, though it had been rather hesitant on the Customs Union issue. Moscow has sought to expand membership of the union (which it launched with Belarus and Kazakhstan in 2010) to other states in the former Soviet periphery, with Armenia serving as a leading candidate for expansion. However, Sarkisian remained aloof on such a proposal, preferring to cautiously expand trade ties with the European Union and other countries like Iran in order to diversify the country's economic options.


But Russia has been trying to dissuade countries on its periphery from expanding cooperation with the European Union, particularly as a key Eastern Partnership summit approaches in November. Moscow has pursued a stick-and-carrot approach in this regard, which in Armenia's case involved raising the price of natural gas exports while offering investment and trade benefits for closer integration. Sarkisian's announcement therefore reflects a success in Russia's strategy on the part of Armenia. Armenia's decision likely means that plans to initial the agreements with the European Union in November will be canceled. Though some Armenian officials have held the door open to the EU deals, both Russian and European officials have said that Customs Union membership necessarily precludes further integration with the European Union. Meanwhile, the already close links between Armenia and Russia can be expected to become even stronger, especially since the Customs Union is set to evolve into the Eurasian Union by 2015.


Armenia's potential membership (actual accession will likely take at least 1-2 years) will also have regional implications. Armenia does not share a physical border with Russia, necessitating a transit state for closer customs and trade links. Armenia's border with Azerbaijan is closed over the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, leaving Georgia as the logical candidate to serve as a transit country. Indeed, Georgia has already seen a slow but significant opening to Russia under the leadership of Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, with trade and visa links seeing limited resumptions. There have also been initial talks on reopening rail traffic between Russia and Armenia through Georgia and the breakaway territory of Abkhazia. Armenia's membership in the Customs Union will likely increase the prospects of such projects even further.


However, there are still many elements that could derail a complete transformation in regional economic and political dynamics. Armenia has already seen protests over the Customs Union announcement led by the opposition Heritage Party, though these have so far remained small. And while Ivanishvili has oriented Georgia more closely toward Moscow (he recently said that the details of Georgia's potential Eurasian Union membership are ''worth examining''), Georgia's political landscape remains fractured and such moves would be contested by other political elements, particularly those loyal to Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili. Azerbaijan, another regional country with close energy and economic ties to Georgia and one opposed to Customs Union membership, will try to dissuade Tbilisi from taking any bold moves that threaten its interests in the country.


Ultimately, Armenia's announcement shows that the battle between Russia and the European Union over the former Soviet periphery is intensifying, as countries feel pressured into making a choice between the two camps. Yerevan has chosen Moscow over Brussels, with both immediate and long-term implications for the other countries in the Caucasus region.
 
Hetq: Putin’s Grand Design to Destroy the EU’s Eastern Partnership and Consequences for Armenia

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In a surprising volte face at his meeting in Moscow with President Putin on September 3, President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia agreed to join the Russian-dominated customs union with Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Thus, in one short meeting, he scrapped the draft Association Agreement with the EU, which included a ‘Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement’ (DCFTA), whose negotiation over the past three years had advanced to the point that its initialling was firmly scheduled for the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November. And, at the same time, the Armenian President chose to deprive his country of the possibility to enter into free trade area agreements with other states, which any economy is free to do unless it is part of a customs union, in which case it becomes bound to a common external tariff.

 This latter deprivation is particularly serious in Armenia’s case, since Russia’s external tariff is on average rather highly protective. In the process, Sargsyan has also precluded Armenia from pursuing the only plausible strategy to become an open, highly-skilled, small economy, following for example the model of Israel, with which it shares several features in common.

 More broadly, it is worth noting that most of the world’s top-ten economies by GDP per capita, from Luxembourg to Singapore, are small but completely open countries. The economic case against joining the Russian customs union is all the greater because nothing in the DCFTA with the EU would have prevented Armenia from entering into a ‘high-quality’, free trade agreement1 with the Russian-led customs union.

 Armenia is already party to the matrix of CIS free trade agreements, but many of these do not function well. Rather than join the Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia customs union, why should Armenia not simply negotiate a high-quality free trade agreement with it? President Sargsyan has offered two main explanations for his baffling behaviour: Armenia depends on Russia to guarantee its security and its large diaspora in Russia make it natural for the two countries to have a close economic relationship. One might challenge the first explanation by noting that no other collective security arrangement, e.g. NATO, requires its member states to join a customs union led by the principal nation.

 Michael Emerson is Associate Senior Research Fellow at CEPS. Hrant Kostanyan is an Associate Research Fellow at CEPS and a BOF (Special Research Fund) Research Fellow at the Centre for EU Studies (CEUS) in the Department of Political Science at Ghent University.


Poll says 86% of Armenia’s residents support accession to Customs Union

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A poll requested by “Integration and Development” research and analysis organization showed 86% of Armenia’s residents are positive about the country’s accession to the Russia-led Customs Union. For most people joining the Customs Union means integrating with Russia, that is why most part of the Armenian society prefers accession to the Union, sociologist Samvel Manukyan said at Novosti international press center Friday.

The poll showed 67% of Armenia’s population prefers cooperation with Russia, 17% considers cooperation with the EU a priority and 12% prefers neither Russia nor the EU. Apart from this, if only one cooperation format should be chosen – the EU or Russia, then 75% of respondents choose Russia and only 19% prefer the EU.

Despite the fact that Armenia’s elites are of different opinion about the accession to the Customs Union, yet the mass support shows the decision about accession is justified, director of EurAsEc, member of Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences for Eurasian economic integration Vladimir Lepyokhin said.

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154 comments:

  1. SvediatsiOctober 27, 2013 at 3:13 AM

    My thoughts on your commentary (part 1 of 4).-

    "Simply put, Armenians cannot afford to be under any illusions today. Militarily, Azerbaijan is getting stronger with time. If for some reason Moscow gave Baku a green light to attack, we will lose Artsakh."

    Moscow would only give green light to azerbaijan when it won’t find any strategic interest in Armenia (something that is unforeseeable).
    azerbaijan is not getting stronger despite what our oppositionists want us to believe. First of all, we have the upper hand. We are on the mountains, they are in the plains. ALWAYS the mountainous people have won against the plain people, because each of these people have a different mentality. Sure, azeris have the billions to get unlimited amounts of arms, but will they use them effectively? I know this may sound like an underestimation and subjective, but azeri soldiers, even with all their latest gadgets and colorful camo-suits still don't stand a chance against Armenians. While you're right that the turks are soldiers, and Armenians are Generals, azeris are actually potato-cutters and room-cleaners. That has been their main occupation in the Soviet Army. Contrary to the turks, who are descendants of the ottoman empire(rich in diplomacy, realpolitik and military might), azeri/tatars were gypsies and cannot act/fight the same way as their turkish counterparts. Do you know by the way the main reason why we kill hundreds of azeris on the front every year, even though it goes unannounced? Because Aliyev's strongest forces are around him, to protect himself, while the weakest ones are on our borders, and have eventually become target practice for our boys. You might say that Russia supported Armenia during the Artsakh war, but Russia also supported to a lesser degree azerbaijan, which was also supported by foreign mercenaries and mujahideen. These facts show that logically we should have lost badly during the war, the reason that we succeeded was because Artsakhtsis, unlike other Armenians, have always maintained semi-independence and survived on their own, even during Persian and Ottoman rule (I am aware of Russia’s interference when Turkey announced to invade us, but we’re talking here about the Artsakh front). And what's the secret of their success? Artsakhtsis have mastered the art of KILLING; yes, KILLING is an art, unlike "dying for your country" which translates to a "sure I might kill but I'm gonna die anyway" mentality. I can give you another example, Musa Ler (6000 civilians with only 400 guns and limited supplies against the massive Ottoman Army). Musalertsis, just like Artsakhtsis, knew their terrain and throughout Ottoman rule were semi-independent (when turks came to collect taxes they'd get their asses kicked), and they didn't hesitate when the time to KILL came. Heck, even when the French ships came to the rescue, the men were not willing to go, they only wanted more food, guns and ammo to keep fighting and send the women and children away. Will they have been eventually overrun by the turks if the French didn’t come to help? Yes. BUT last I checked Killing visciously/ruthlessly while losing makes a hell a lot of difference than saying “vay turkere mezanic ujex en aveli lav a xelok mnank” and get slaughtered mercilessly. Now, imagine if EVERY single Armenian in the world had this KILLER mentality that the Musalertsis and Artsakhtsis have... Why am I saying all this? Because Armenians continuously think like victims “vay Azerbaijan has more weapons than us, they’re more in numbers etc.” “Turkey killed 1.5 millions of Armenians! We can’t do that! We’re not strong enough” We need to educate our children WARRIORS (we have it inside us, we just have to find it and wake it up after its 1500+ years slumber), not pacifists and hippies, which brings me to my next point.

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  2. SvediatsiOctober 27, 2013 at 3:14 AM

    Part 2: “Via television programming, the young republic's educational system, so-called aid agencies and propaganda outlets disguised as news agencies, Western "values" began penetrating Armenian society very soon after the Soviet Union dissolved.”
    I would like to focus on the educational system since other points are widely covered in this blog. A few summers ago I was strolling in Yerevan with a local female friend. The subject turned to the educational system of Armenia. She said something that caught my attention “Here in Armenian schools, they do not teach us hatred towards the turks, all they teach us regarding that subject is that turkey commited genocide against Armenians and that they should apologize”. This a major flaw in Armenian Education in my opinion. We are still struck with this mentality that we can only do good, we can never hate, we can never directly confront turks, we should win our enemies by loving them (I’m not attacking Christianity here at all, I’m attacking our mentality, this has nothing to do with what is written in the New Testament), turkish people are good people, only their government is bad etc. etc. etc. Words such as “good” and “bad” are very subjective. Sure, there might be some genuine turks who accept the truth, but that does not mean we must trust them with all our hearts, in the end, they act for their own interests, and chances these interests are still harmful to Armenia. Basically what I’m trying to say is that while the turks are training youth to give a few hours a day from their time to spew hatred against Armenians on the internet or in the news or anywhere else, we on one hand in Armenia are turning into pacifist hippies, and in the Diaspora into crybabies (even though they taught us to hate turks, they have also subconsciously convinced many of us that we are this weak nation who needs to persuade the great world powers to “put pressure” on turkey and make them recognize the Genocide, which translates to “forget nation-building, forget homeland, forget warrior mentality, adopt crybaby mentality, stay in the comfort of your community, go to the closest community center and write anti-turkish slogans, then go out to the streets once a year and literally cry “turkey run! turkey hide!”, I’m sorry but WHO’s HIDING HERE?!?!?!)
    We need to teach our children more about our victories than about our losses (not “moral victories”), we should teach them realpolitik, Caucasus Geopolitics throughout history, Turkish Geopolitics throughout history, Russian geopolitics in the Caucasus, how to think like a warrior, how to view your enemy, why to always keep your guard up… Some points are just too obvious that they shouldn’t even be mentioned here, but Armenians sadly do not realize them.
    The fact is, Armenia’s educational system lacks a lot of things, just as much as we lack politicized culture agenda, something that our Cultural ministry maybe isn’t even thinking of. It is understandable that the Government was mainly focused on Military, and then economics, but now that the Customs Union marriage is almost done, it is time to make radical changes in our educational and cultural systems/ministries.

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  3. SvediatsiOctober 27, 2013 at 3:14 AM

    Part 3:
    “However, if Baku gives in to Moscow, which is what it will most likely do, Yerevan will eventually be faced will coming to terms with a settlement.
    As a final negotiated settlement, Yerevan may be expected to return the "seven regions" taken outside of Artsakh proper. My biggest concern here is the fate of the territories west of Artsakh, namely the strategic region between Karvajar and Berdzor. In return, Baku would be expected to recognize Nagorno Karabakh's independence or its reunification with Armenia and perhaps return some areas of Artsakh under its control.”

    They say that actions speak louder than words. The recent highway construction between Armenia and Artsakh through Karvajar can only say ONE thing. Karvajar and Berdzor are to be kept under Armenian control with no doubt, no matter what scenario. Even if Russia was settling the conflict for us, it wouldn’t be dumb enough to do what the Bolsheviks did with Artsakh (isolating it from Armenia), even if azerbaijan is under full and direct control of Russia, Russia still recognizes the fact that Berdzor/Karvajar is closer to Nakhichevan, which is tied to turkey. In the long run this could pose a serious threat to Russia. Also take into consideration that azerbaijan is Shiite. Though a US-friendly Shiite but also secular Azerbaijan can pose a threat to Tehran, a Russia-friendly Shiite Azerbaijan can actually be exploited in the far future by Tehran and can one day, if we see the emergence of Persia again, work against Russia. Thus, the less common borders azerbaijan has with Tehran, the better in the long run. A best case scenario would be to create a Talysh rebellion in the south east of Azerbaijan and make it expand up until it touches Artsakh, thus completely cutting azerbaijan by Tehran. Yes, all of these are just thoughts and observations, it is unknown and unlikely that we arrive at this stage for the time being, but such points must be taken into consideration. Even if there are wrong points mentioned, this is an important subject to debate on.

    Returning to the points of Artsakh’s concessions, During Ter Petrosyan’s years it is said that even during those times the main lands to be given to azerbaijan excluded Berdzor and Karvajar.

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  4. SvediatsiOctober 27, 2013 at 3:15 AM

    Part 4: “ Obtaining a direct access to the Black Sea and/or establishing a common border with the Russian Federation should be the single most important agenda for officials in Armenia and for the Armenian Diaspora.”

    As much as I would love to see Armenia gain direct access to the Black Sea, I find it impossible currently. We now have a more-or-less Russia-friendly government in Tbilisi. We might have a Russia-friendly president after tomorrow. We also have a north-south highway being built that will pass through Armenia and Georgia. Thus, the possibility of fighting for Georgian territory(and Javakhk) sadly isn’t a realistic scenario. A more realistic scenario would be to have a common border with Russia via Azerbaijan, through a war where Armenians would take Northern Eastern parts of Azerbaijan and establish borders with Russia from that point.

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  5. AnonymousOctober 27, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    Very insightful and analytical article. Arevordi. Worthy of research and study of its high points. In a broad sweep it pinpoints the fulcrum of endeavors to pursue. A common border with Russia is a path to follow and concretize it. Western values have become Zionist values, only good for Zionist, and Armenia should shirk away and exorcise those values from penetrating Armenian society. Diasporan armenians should continue with their lobbying for genocide recognition , should continue to pour their aid to Armenia, but should refrain from establishing western Zionist think tanks , propaganda organs and be divorced from Armenian grand geopolitical strategies. Good diasporan armenians which should be calling on Armenia for their largesse and contribution, with no strings attached, are the types of Ernesto Ernekian, the Armenian entrepreneur who has built, or revamped svarnotz, expanded it and invested millions on its infrastructure, contributed to the construction of large sections of the Lachin corridor and other infrastructure works in Artsakh. We need more Ernesto's to come to the homeland, and not the street politicians and pseudo researchers on regional studies like Raffi and his cohorts and others of his ilk. Someone remarked about Azeries being potatoe cutters. These potatoe cutters are a mortal danger for Armenia. A potatoe cutter with lethal weapons of mass destruction can cause is serious damage. Azeries are building their military, obviously they will use it at some point in time. Artsakh is an impregnable fortress, mountain terrain, warrior mind set, fiercely independent mountain people. However the potatoe cutters with all their sophisticated weaponry, and Zionist strategists behind them, can not be underestimated in any respect.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 27, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    Excellent blog entry as usual Arevordi, I also enjoy reading your well-reasoned and clearly articulated opinion and analysis of geopolitics in Armenia and beyond. Thanks for doing this.

    I have not read the articles yet, nor Svediatsi's four part comment, but I did want to post this response I wrote two weeks ago when I first read the article titled "Former Russian ambassador to Armenia is indignant at Richard Giragosian":

    Wow, I am really glad to see someone of Ambassador Kovalenko's rank and stature call out the rats and traitors in Armenian society so openly and frankly. I very much hope that this signals that the bear is about to crack down hard on the traitors and foreign agents in Armenia. Maybe this is one of Moscow's patented "diplomatic, read between the lines" threats. We know how Moscow treats fifth columns, I hope they look to the Romanian leader Vlad the Impaler as a guide to dealing with the likes of giragosian and fellow cockroaches... I also find it significant that he pointed out "Giragosian should not frighten Armenia by hopeless future or loss of opportunities", basically the doom and gloom campaign you've written about for years. I'm noticing that Russia lately has been taking steps to win over the hearts and minds of the Armenian public. I hope to see President Putin visit Yerevan very soon and capitalize on his stratospheric international popularity in the wake of Syria. If he sets foot in Yerevan and delivers another "Բարեւ ցեզ" he can probably ease the feelings (and stroke the egos) of a significant part of Armenian society.

    And I don't know why, but I was still a bit shocked reading hayrikyan's diatribe about South Caucasian solidarity. What a fucking jackass. Between his proclivity to extol georgians and azeris and his Mischling offspring, I strongly suspect there is a large օտար component of this scumbag's family tree and genetic history. I wonder if he reserves admiration for the North Caucasian Chechens, Circassians and Khazars as well?

    ***

    ps Romanian Anonymouse if you are reading this I want you to know that I'm still a bit surprised as well as disgusted learning about vladimir socor's partial Armenian ancestry through you. Thanks for posting though, I appreciate learning and knowing the truth.

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  7. AnonymousOctober 27, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    The conflict resolution on Artsakh is insoluble. Artsakh is inseparable from Armenia, the facade of republic of NKR is a political expediency to conform with international law, but it is a platform of the union to Armenia. The only resolution possible is for Azerbaijan to realize and accept that 70 years of Soviet rule have come to an end, and old Soviet maps and territory carvings are a history. The conflict, unresolved could stretch for decades on end. It would not surprise anyone if it becomes a replay of Arab Israely talks on talks to resolve more talks. The impasse can only be broken through an overt act of aggression or war by Azerbaijan . The outcome of such an adventure is unpredictable and far from certain. There can not be negotiations either. The settlement is about recognition of Artsakh borders. Negotiations are an ace up the sleeve for Azerbaijan . Any agreed terms of settlement will have to see the return of Azeries refugees back to artsakhs, something which is intolerable and unacceptable. The return of refugees is admitting an invasion by Azerbaijan . That is one of the hoops that is pretty well non negotiable. An unsuccessful attack by Azerbaidjan and a successful counterattack by Armenian forces can be the prelude to the establishment of a common frontier with holy Russia.

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  8. ArevordiOctober 27, 2013 at 5:31 PM

    Svediatsi

    1) It will be a fatal mistake to under estimate our enemies. It's obvious you do not have a deep understanding of military matters. A lot goes into making sure a military is well trained, well equipped, well supplied and battle ready. Our source for affordable modern weaponry is Russia. They give us the money, the spare parts and the know-how to operate most of our most modern, most lethal weapons systems. Without their active support, namely their provision of specialized spareparts and ammunition, Armenia's military would not last more than several weeks on an active battle field. And, for the most part, mountain peoples almost always lost to plains peoples. Mountain peoples are notoriously disorganized in war and politics. The skirmishes between Armenians and Turks in and around Musa Ler is not an example of anything. Don't look for deep significance in what happened there. Yes, a bunch of courageous Armenians fougth a bunch of Turks to a standstill for a limited amount of time before they took off in French ships. That's it. The story ends. Without active Russian support, the Armenian military would not be able to put up a lasting defense of Artsakh. Without Russian support, Azerbaijan will eventually occupy Artsakh. This is one of those cold hard realities we need to wrap our mind around for not doing so will be disastrous. And this is merely one of the reasons why for almost a decade I have been calling for a pan-national effort in Moscow. The keys to Armenia's successes and failures are found in the Kremlin.

    2) Until the collapse of the Soviet Union in December, 1991, the Kremlin was officially supporting Azerbaijan in an attempt to preserve the territorial integrity of the Soviet Union. As a result, until late 1991, Armenians were losing on all fronts. Then miraculously, the Soviet Union fell. The birth of the Russian Federation and the rise of Turkic and Islamic states on the periphery of southern Russia gave birth to a new geostrategic reality for Russian officials. Whereas before 1991 Armenia was the belligerent, now, Armenia was a natural ally in a region saturated by independence minded Muslims and Turks. Ask yourself: When did Armenia register its 'first' greatest battle victory in Artsakh? During 'February, 1992' in Khojaly. If you noticed, this first Armenian victory came merely 'two months' after the Soviet Union dissolved. And two months after the victory in Khojaly came the liberation of Shushi. And months after that came the liberation of Lachin, etc. By this time, Russian arms and military experts had begun pouring into Armenia and Artsakh. In the big geostrategic picture, this is why Armenians began wining in 1992. This was when Russian officials began helping Armenia against Azerbaijan. Without the Russian factor working behind the scenes, none of our war heroes (you know their names) would have been able to last very long on the battlefields of Artsakh. I understand Armenians will have a very hard time understanding or accepting any of this. But reality is one thing, what Armenians think is altogether another thing...

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  9. ArevordiOctober 27, 2013 at 6:54 PM

    Anonymous October 27, 2013 at 2:03 AM

    Thank you for your kind words. The appreciation of my work makes my endeavor worthwhile. I totally agree with your take on Eduardo Eurnekian. While our idiots have been singing the praises of Kirk Kirkorian, the senile Amerika-Hay that would rather throw his money away than risk it get "stolen" in Armenia, I have been pointing to Eduardo Eurnekian (and Ruben Vardanyan) as someone in the Armenian Diaspora that truly needs to be honored instead. The following blog commentary has references to him and to Ruben Vardanyan -

    Armenia on the eve of its presidential elections (February, 2013):
    http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/2013/02/armenia-on-eve-of-its-presidential.html

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  10. SvediatsiOctober 27, 2013 at 9:32 PM

    @Arevordi,

    My post had more to do with propaganda and mentality rather than military. I didn't give these two examples in order to justify Armenians and say that we could have won without the help of foreign powers, even though I knew that what I wrote was going to give that impression (I even mentioned that it was going to look like an underestimation). You have a point, I am not deeply into military matters, I know only the basics regarding our military. I wanted to make 2 points clear:

    I was criticizing the propaganda that the opposition does when it comes to military affairs, saying we are always weaker than the azeris, Russia is on their side, we are helpless, in order to make us more miserable. I wanted to show that most of the Armenians no longer have a Warrior Mentality, rather they are cowards. I gave the "potato-cutter azeris" example in order to point out the difference in morale. Yes, many times it has been said by observers that Armenian Morale is higher than azerbaijan's and we have the upper hand. I am not saying we alone can hold them off, of course we need Russia's support(money, spare parts, the know-how, ammunition), all I am saying is our forces can fight efficiently and are not as weak as we think they are. And what I'm saying this is not directed primarily to you Arevordi, it's for all those weak-minded Armenians. The art of killing is something that we Armenians fail to grasp. We feel bad when we kill. While our enemies get happy when they kill us, that has been one of our weak spots for centuries. All I'm saying is that we don't approach to war the same our enemies do.

    Underestimating the enemy is dangerous, but overestimating its capabilities(which is what many self-destructive Armenians do)can hurt us on the psychological level.

    Again, I did not want to say that we could have won the war without Russia, that is not true. The truth is, every single war that has taken place between 3rd world countries has had foreign powers supporting the sides, thus in reality Armenia vs. azerbaijan was in a way Russia vs. turkey+Nato. This is something natural, and in reality the most intact and stable countries are the ones that are closely tied to a major power. The perfect examples are wars fought between small states during the Cold War. I personally have no problem accepting that Russia's help is crucial. The truth is in Geopolitics there are 2 kinds of countries: 1) Superpowers 2) Countries allied to supoerpowers. Other countries who try to play both sides are doomed to fail.

    PS Would it be possible that you or one of your friends who understand a lot about military make a blog post dedicated to comparing Armenia's and azerbaijan's militaries?

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  11. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 1:10 AM

    As far as azerbaijan's military is concerned, they are still years away from being at a level to attack and succeed taking Artsakh. Sometimes common observers are fooled by the multi billion $ azerbaijani defense budget, but the reality is that a large chunk of the money goes toward the navy and coast guards, not the air force and army, the two units that would be involved in any future war against Armenia. Moreover, no credible Western, Russian, Iranian, or Chinese military sources have given the upper hand to the azerbaijani military if they were to attack Armenia. But the opposite has been true, there are Pentagon studies that claim an American operation to take Artsakh militarly would succeed but be quite costly!


    LG

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  12. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 3:40 AM

    Sarkis86,

    Thank you for your words. I am happy when I can be useful. I am sorry if that caused some distress.
    We lived, so-called, with Matei Socor on a daily basis. He was the author of the communist national anthem, which was sung all day long on the radio. Besides it was obligatory to sing it at school (until the 60'). Matei Socor was one of the "illegalists", member of the Party when it was illegal. The absolute majority of the members were Jews. It was known that he was partially Armenian. Vladimir was named after Vladimir Ilici, like many children of the Nomenklatura. In his youth he was swearing only by USSR and he left Romania when Ceausescu sidelined the pro-Russian wing (Jewish, actually). It was a bit of a surprise when he emerged as critic of Russia, but these people can change the color of their skin at will. With these exceptions Armenians are associated in my mind with sweet and pleasantly fragrant things. For a long time Armenian coffee merchants were kept as managers of their shops and as children we always bought candy sugar and sultanas and of course coffee ground in front of you, from them.
    I wonder whether you know anything about a Professor of linguistics Zaharian or Zakarian, I am not sure, who was killed in the Stalin purges. I knew his daughter in Romania (who used to make a wonderful cake).
    If anyone else knows anything I would be grateful if they send me some data.
    RomAn

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  13. JerrikoOctober 28, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    Arevordi, I like your latest commentary on Armenia's decision to join the Customs Union of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan. However, I do have some questions that I wanted to ask with regards to Armenia and Russia having a common border:

    - How can they actually achieve it if the only thing in their way is northwestern Azerbaijan? It would take a major conflict for Russia to even carve out northern Azerbaijan to actually accomplish it, along with Armenia's actual expansion into areas besides Artsakh.

    - Two, assuming that we're hoping that Armenia expands to the Black Sea, does this mean that my earlier question from an older thread about Vaspurakan might actually be taken into account? As in Armenia could actually try to regain the Vaspurakan region from Turkey?

    - Three: Why is Vietnam on the list of countries that might have the potential to join the Customs Union if they're separated from Russia through China? Not to mention that Vietnam is also a part of ASEAN, of which the Philippines is also a member. If Vietnam might end up joining the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, then I think it might set up a precedent for the potential collapse of ASEAN, which is already divided between pro-US and pro-Chinese camps (with Cambodia being the most prominent pro-Chinese member)

    - One other thing: with the recent decrepit shapte of the EU, what is there to stop Russia from not only retaking the Caucasus, but the Balkans as well? Bulgaria could be a good candidate to be forced into seceding from the EU and pressure them to jump into Russia's arms, and while Serbia has recently acquired CSTO observer state status, we don't know if the Serbs would actually jump at the first chance of ditching their dreams for EU membership and joining Russia instead?

    Finally, what is up with Turkey signing a missile defense deal with China?

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  14. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    Part 1 of 2:

    The official in question, who happens to be of Armenian decent, also called for another Russian military base in Armenia.

    Let me make an argument below why I think a second major Russian military base, one specifically located near the southern tip of Armenia in the Syunik մարզ which serves as a nexus where Armenian/Iranian, turkish/azerbaijani, and several great power interests meet and overlap, would be a very welcome development for both Armenia and Russia:

    1) The Russians can use a base right on the gateway to the Middle East and on the Iranian border to increase their influence and ability to apply pressure in that region. So far the Russians hold a base in Tartus, Syria on the western end of the Middle East, and we've just witnessed how useful that one base was. It would help Russia to move its military closer down to the Middle East from the North as well; 2) By fortifying Armenia's extremely mountainous southern region, Russia can put a strong dent in the claim that turkey enjoy's "overwhelming" military might in the South Caucasus region; 3) A base in that region would doubly reassure turkey and azerbaijan that any hopes they may be harboring about one day sharing a common border of their own will never come to fruition; it would be another nail in the coffin of the turkish wet-nightmare known as pan-turkism, fortifying the narrowest strip of land which prevents that nightmare from having a chance to become a reality; 4) Russia would increase it's ability to put pressure on azerbaijan by having troops a sparrow's flight away from occupied Nakhichevan; 5) I know Russia is now operating a superior early warning radar in Armavir as well as from intelligence ships close to Tartus, but it is in their interests to set up yet another redundant layer of protection and deploy some early warning Radars in the mountains of southern Armenia slightly closer to Iran, turkey and the Northern Middle East. There's no such thing as "too much cover" in radar. Needless to say Russian radar on the border of Artsakh could be shared with Armenia's military, which already operates a joint CSTO air defense network; And this would be a smart move by Armenia to capitalize on the azeri mistake of antagonizing Russia by denying the Russian military use of Gabala; 6) for Armenia, if the Russians are so inclined to open a base in lesser developed/populated southern Armenia, it may spur the Russians to better developing the infrastructure leading into the region as well as the infrastructure of the region itself, possibly by building or rebuilding additional roads or even building and refurbishing railroads via the Russian-owned South Caucasus Railways Company. Not to even mention potential improvements in local utilities/electricity/gas/telecommunications/water/etc. that would need to be brought into proper shape to service a base; 7) It should further de-incentivize renewed azeri aggression towards Artsakh if Russian troops are directly on azerbajians northern AND western borders; 8) a new base would require construction, maintenance as well as service and entertainment for the soldiers, which are all opportunities for Armenia to spur business, investment, taxes general interest and employment in the region. If I recall correctly, one of the major protests Javakhk Armenians had when Russia closed its military base in Javakhk was that the base was the major employer in the region; 9) it would add yet another very valuable asset that Russia would have in Armenia and therefore increase Russia's strategic interest in Armenia, it's desire to protect it from both turks and azeris as well as protect it from "fifth columns" currently being formed in Armenia (ie ruthless suppression and some "car accidents" and "gas pipeline malfunctions" for more cunning anti-Russian trouble-makers in Armenia);

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  15. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 2:34 PM

    Part 2 of 2:

    9) More Russian weapons in Armenia will mean more Russian weapons that get donated to Armenia as Russia upgrades its hardware, which will increase over the next few years anyway; 10) since Armenia and Russia are joined via the Joint Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Protection, CSTO and it's Joint Air Defense Network and Rapid Reaction Force, deep and comprehensive business, historical, cultural, political, educational, economical, financial, social and industrial ties, and now through formally through the Customs Union, another base only makes more sense; 11) it would aid Russian Border Guards in patrolling the Armenian border with Iran, which along the border with turkey is the stated reason they are in Armenia; 12) it would be yet another statement to the west that Russia is dead serious in keeping it's Armenian strategic ally within the Russian sphere of influence; 13) realistically, Russia can never be 100% comfortable with Muslim Iran's long-term aims in the South Caucasus (Iran's domain before the Rise of Russia), so it's good to keep a Russian presence directly on the Iranian border; 14) a psychological and morale boost for Russia to see their military reestablish a base on what was once the Tsarist and Soviet border with the outside world, and site of Russia's furthest advance to the south; 15) this may be a bit forward, but perhaps we can even convince them to build a modern military air field in the region which we can then also utilize; 15) Russian troops would be on the border of where israel reportedly conducts spying operations on Iran from bases in azerfagjan.

    I cannot see any negatives from such a development. What's the worst that can happen? The EU continues to bitch about Armenia being to integrated with Russia? The US activates its agents in Armenia and thereby ensures their bloody removal from Armenian society by arrest, beatings or murder? turkey "bravely" bombs the new base and thereby hands us Western Armenia back and assures its own radioactive-tinged destruction?

    I'd love to hear some feedback!

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  16. AnonymousOctober 28, 2013 at 4:52 PM

    Sarkis jan, you have a very active imagination. I like it. But sadly the best Armenians minds like yours have worked on furthering the power of other nations. I am not being negative towards you my friend but Armenia's situation has always been such that our best minds have only helped other nations in this case Russia. This upsets me but it is what it is. Like Arevordi says, in the "big picture" I totally agree with your assertions. If Armenia can keep its Armenian leadership, borders, church and language intact I think we must do everything we can to increase the value of our little real estate in the kavkas in the eyes of Russians. What you are suggesting is a good way to do this. Isnt independence and freedom relative things in actuality? Ideally I want a powerful and independent Armenia. Realistically I know this wont happen in my life time. So my friend, that is why I rather have a stable and powerful Armenia that is totally dependent on Russia than have one totally independent and free to do what it wants and in constant fear of extinction.

    Arto

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  17. AnonymousOctober 29, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    Thanks for grouping me with the "best Armenian minds" Arto jan. I actually agree with everything you posted. Privately, just in my own mind, I dream of seeing Armenia ascending to become a great power, rising to the highest levels of human development, demographically stable, economically productive, and a world leader in advanced scientific and technological research and development... But for right now we have to play the best we can with the cards that we have been dealt.

    I'm glad you picked up the underlying intention of my argument - essentially it is in our benefit to underline to our Russian allies just how important the protection and development of tiny Armenia is for Russia every chance we get. Armenia's best interest was the driving motivation for my argument, as is often the case when I write an opinion or advocate some action. When I wrote the argument, I tried to frame it how an Armenian lobbyist at the Kremlin (as Arevordi has been calling for more of) should frame it: basically that an investment which would significantly benefit Armenia is actually in Russia's interest, despite the great expense that Russia would have to bear to make that investment a reality. And if the argument is perceived as "only helping other nations in this case Russia," then I'm glad to see I achieved my objective. I see the argument as the same as when any special interest lobby frames its own objectives as being in the target audience's best interests (ie "cracking down on tobacco companies' ability to advertise to children is an attack on all of our civil freedoms" or "the US must support israel because we are united in a fight against terrorism"). Here the tangible benefits (the deterrent of more Russian boots on the ground) would all go to Armenia, while the cost and the symbolic/morale benefits would go to our ally.

    And I agree Armenians have for the last several hundred years expended too much creative energy developing other's countries (ie Armenian istanbul, tblisi, baku, etc.). This is both a result of our having been stateless, and a cause for our continued statelessness and subsequent weakness of our state in a vicious cycle. No matter, we have the present and the future to make up for the shortcomings of the past. I appreciate the honest feedback man, constructive criticism helps us all better formulate our ideas.
    ***
    Romanian Anonymous,

    Thanks again for another informative post. I have to admit my knowledge on Armenians and Romania is minimal. I know Romania, and most Eastern European nations in general, are friendly nations with interesting cultures and vast potential, and they have been safe refuges for Armenians since the collapse of the Armenian Kingdom in 1064. Our nations are plagued by the same enemies. On a personal level I find Romania interesting in that, much like Armenia, it is on the crossroads of major cultural powers. You are one of the world's largest Orthodox nations, yet geographically very close to the centers of Catholicism and Protestantism. You have a Romance language, but with a decent influence from local Slavic and German languages. Romania like Armenia is not particularly known for its aggressive policy (except maybe according to the Hungarians), yet has seen many of the same empires which have occupied Armenia throughout history (Rome, Byzantine, turkish, Russian/Soviet, etc.).

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  18. mardirossiansvOctober 29, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    Thank you for this wonderful article, I read your blog since mid 2011, and find fewer points to argue with you with every consecutive article. (maybe I am being brainwashed by you!!!).
    In this article I finally found courage to comment on some of the points you talk about.
    1- Europes achievements in the past and the accumulated wealth were vastly dependant on the looted recourses of the colonialised nations. Hopefully not to be repeated.
    2- your accusations of diaspora are exaggerated even though important diasporian organizations are certainly infiltrated by CIA , a substantial mass of diasporian intellectuals will agree with your points.
    3- Overprivatisation of the economy in Armenia left the state (bedutiun) with fewer recourses to manipulate people , I don’t know how but this must be remedied.
    4- In the last 10 years Syria took the road of privatization of its economy , THE FIFTH COLOMN which were on critical posts neglected the rural population so they were fertile ground to organized insurgency the west cultivated in Syria . In Armenia we don’t have ethnic ground to unrest but the neglect of agriculture may cause class based unrest organized by this 5th colomn.

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  19. ArevordiOctober 30, 2013 at 5:59 AM

    Thank you for reading Mardirossian and thank you for the compliment. I hope you have been sharing links to this blog with like-minded acquaintances.

    But why did you say "I finally found 'courage' to comment". Even if you are opposed to my politics, you are my equal and as long as you can argue your point rationally and objectively, I will gladly entertain it.

    A few comments of my own:

    First, I primarily criticize the American and the Middle Eastern Diasporas because those two communities are what I'm most familiar with. I was born in the Middle East and grew up in the US and I was very active in a plethora of Armenian organizations - including the ARF, including the church.

    What exactly did I say about our Diaspora in the US and the Middle East that you find exaggerated? That they are assimilated for the most part? That they do not understand politics? That they are genocide obsessed to the detriment of sociopolitical and economic matters to Armenia? That they spearhead many of the Western activities inside Armenia? That they are more American, Arab or Turkish than Armenian? That they look down at Armenians in Armenia? That they rather teach their children a dying language like Western Armenian instead of embracing Armenia and teaching their children the official language of their homeland? That being an Armenian for them is like an article of clothing their wear on weekends? That many of them are Russophobes? That the American-Armenian lobby in US is worthless in real political terms? They they are big talking and under-performing?

    Based on my experiences/observations during the past 20-25 years, I believe the description above to be very accurate.

    Of course there are many respectable patriots in the American-Armenian community: Aram Hamparian, Appo Jabarian and Harout Sassounian readily come to mind. But I am talking collective nature and character of the Diasporas in question.

    I agree with your comments about over-privatization in Armenia. It's essentially about corporatocracy, plutocracy, crony capitalism and darwinian capitalism. Such an approach in economic matters is essentially an Anglo-American model that our idiots wholeheartedly adopted as soon as the Soviet Union dissolved. Such an approach appeals to the animalistic instincts of the individual e.g. our oligarchs. I think it will be a few years before our idiots wake-up and try to reverse the process. But by then, Russians may simply step in and buy literally everything. Anyway, the foundations of the modern republic were improperly set in the 1990s. We need to hope for the best.

    Why am I "brainwashing" you? In my opinion, what's happening here is that you are taking my comments/ideas and juxtaposing them to what you are observing take place around the world and are thus gradually coming to the conclusion that what I'm saying is indeed accurate. This is not called brainwashing, this is called seeing the light :)

    PS: I'm not too worried about a Fifth Column. Levon's destructive peasantry back in 2007/2008 was perhaps the worst as it could get in a place like Armenia, and they were quite easily put in their place. Now, with a much better state apparatus and a much more powerful Russia in the region, the development of a Western-led Fifth Column is virtually impossible.

    PS: The "wonders" of Europe and the US has nothing to do with liberalism or democracy. The Western world's success/wealth is derived from genocide, slavery, imperial wars and plunder of third world nations for centuries. In fact, had the Western world been liberal and democratic throughout the centuries, it would be part of the third world today. Nations like China and Russia today are following the path Western nations took during the last two/three centuries: they are top heavy, ambitious, authoritarian, aggressive, progressive and nationalistic, minus the imperial wars, genocide and slavery. This why Western policymakers are panicking. They see competition they may not be able to defeat.

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  20. SassounciDavitOctober 30, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    Longtime reader, first time poster Aroverdi, great great article, you hit the nail on the head, I look forward to more actively participating in discussion from now on.
    Your mention of Mkhitar Sparapet while on point was depressing. I can't imagine what he must have felt seeing a bunch of village idiot chobans put him to the axe over their own petty Armenian squabbles. Unfortunately, in our history we have had far too many such instances involving our own people pitted against each other. This needs to change, hopefully the 21st century is when change comes.

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  21. ArevordiOctober 30, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    Welcome aboard, Sassounci Davit. I'm looking forward to your participation.

    Mkhitar Sparapet's life and death are very poignant and need to be remembered today. Here was a warrior aristocrat (the last of this type in our gypsy-like society) who with the help of Czarist Russia freed portions of Armenia from Persian/Islamic rule - and our self-destructive peasantry at the time thanked him by beheading him and presenting his head to the Turkish Sultan in Tabriz as a peace offering.

    As long as free thinking, patriotic Armenians accept or tolerate the garbage that infests our once great nation today, Armenia will continue giving birth to traitors and mercenaries.

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  22. AnonymousOctober 30, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    What countries did Europe pillage, colonize, plundered and the mention of other atrocities which the enemies of Europe keep on as a propaganda weapon to destroy Europe ? Europe , or Spain, civilized and developed Hispano America. The Indians were a mass of ambling atoms, incapable of developing anything of worth. In fact they had no history. The spaniards gave them a history. The legacy of Euopean rape and pillage, colonization is the flourishing Latin American countries. Immigration to South America did not commence until after the South American countries had obtained their independence. Similarly on Africa the European developed that continent to their charging and regret. At the end of the xix century the African continent had 200m people. A century later they number1 billion. Africa was a cesspool of disease, cannibalism, and inhospitable. Hospitals, education, European standards, norms, law, order were introduced and the Africa and African flourished and prospered. The big lie of Europe having raided and enriched herself at the expense of her former colonies is an absurd slander and stain which serves the purpose of the antieuropean forces bent on her destruction. Where is European colonization in Africa ? Africa is for Africans, Europeans are only present in S.A and there they now exist as a minority , powerless, segment of the population, under duress and expecting more exploitation under the hands of the parasitic !indolent negroids .. Those people assailing and attacking Europe can never be satisfied. They will not rest until the Euroepan disappears from the face of the earth ( armenians are included) England has been bastardized already, islamized, Germany is turkified, French is the first African nation in the heart of Europe. Had Europe won the Ww 2 we would not be hearing such misrepresentation of history, and the hogwash of Marxist-Zionist- indoctrination such as the evils of European colonialism, pillage, plunder and other nonsensical balderdash. Go to SA in Africa and see what European colonialism has done. Compare that with any other Negroid place that did not have the rape,pillage plunder of European colonialism, and draw your own conclusions. We are born, grow, and educate ourselves in lies, self destructive lies. If Europeans are such evils, why is there that everyone, rat, dog, and flotsam of the formerly colonized world leave their homes,hovels,and holes and hail toward Europe in their millions, they want to be close, vey close, uncomfortably close to the European, and they follow her wherever she is.

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  23. AnonymousOctober 30, 2013 at 2:59 PM

    As always interesting to read your blog, i am getting into a habit of waiting end of the month to get my Arevordi fix.
    I think in current geopolitics Georgia's orientation is a key to Armenia's future. Russia and Armenia need Georgia to come back to it's rightful place. But as before Georgian politics has been influenced by sizable jewish column, it can not free itself. We must do everything we can to strengthen Armenians living in Georgia (financially and educationally) to elevate them in Georgian hierarchy. I think with Ivanishvili's exit in November (Saakashvili is gone) new prime minister will be installed and hopefully Georgia will do a U-turn and not sign the EU's AA. Ivanishvili has done it's job and time has come to change the course. I also hope and sure Ukraine is getting ready for a U-turn. So important events are coming up and by the time we get your November blog we may have a lot of good news.

    T.K.

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  24. AnonymousOctober 30, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    if you guys didnt see it before this is the great Soviet Armenian film called Davit Bek and Mxitar Sparapet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgQl7kqcvRE

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  25. ArevordiOctober 30, 2013 at 5:12 PM

    Anonymous October 30, 2013 at 12:06 AM

    You may have reading compression problems. I'm not discussing ethical issues per se. I'm merely trying to convey the message that the Western world is powerful/wealthy today due to imperial wars, genocide, slavery and exploitation - and not because of liberalism and democracy. Liberalism/Globalism is in fact eroding the western civilization. I am emphasizing this to point out the futility and the counter-productivity of the political West's modern agenda to Globalize, liberalize and democratize the world.

    I'm sure you are on my side on this matter.

    PS: The greatest genocide in recent human history was the extermination of the new world's indigenous populations. The greatest human exploitation in recent human history was the institutionalized practice of slavery in the new world. The greatest exploitation of resources in recent human history was the exploitation of the natural wealth of the new world. Similar things also occurred in Africa and south-east Asia. These are part of the fundamental reasons/factors why European nations and the US became ridiculously wealthy and thus powerful during the past several centuries. But, again, I am NOT discussing the ethical implications of this matter.

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  26. AJOctober 30, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    Anonymous @ October 30, 2013 at 12:06 AM

    please watch this documentary on one example of native american tribe who you labeled as a "mass of ambling atoms"

    apart for the ridiculous apparatus they plug into their chins, they live pretty peacefully and in harmony with nature.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SW0jzXTS6A

    Indigenous people have age old history and wisdom to impart to modern "civilized" people and should not be disregarded quickly by labeling them as primitives. sure there are primitives and civilized tribes, just like any other population in earth.

    A good read to appreciate some of their wisdom
    http://www.amazon.com/Millennium-Tribal-Wisdom-Modern-World/dp/0670829358

    PS: "all men are created equal" is the great moral lesson that westerners preach rigorously, but practice the complete opposite.

    @Arevordi, great commentary once again.
    Your critique on Armenian diaspora is very accurate. Personally I accept it very openly. Truth should be told and we shouldn't be emotional when digesting it.

    What's your take on the recent announcement in Minsk regarding Turkey's, Syria's and Indian potential Eurasian Union membership?

    Finally I would like to share this article regarding Islam in EU, US and Russia
    http://frontpagemag.com/2013/dgreenfield/islamerica-eurabia-and-eurasia/

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  27. ArevordiOctober 30, 2013 at 8:44 PM

    Jerriko,

    One: A major conflict between Russia/Armenia and Azerbaijan and/or a Russo-Armenian conspiracy against Baku is the way to carve common borders between Armenia and Russia. Moscow and Yerevan can solve many of their problems in this manner. Anyway, it's easier said than done - but not impossible.

    Two: Expanding to the Black Sea should be achieved through Georgia not NATO member Turkey - unless Turkey is in the process of imploding. Again, this requires Russo-Armenian conspiracy/collaboration and may or may not have anything to do with Armenia's historic Vaspurakan region.

    Three: Vietnam or Turkey seeking membership in the Russian-led Customs Union may be a trial attempt, a way of testing the waters. Nations plan for the future and they want options and opportunities, and they will give thought to anything that sounds good.

    Four: Naturally, once Moscow feels totally secure in the Caucasus and Central Asia (still years away), I believe the Balkans will be one of the areas they will transfer their attention to. Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece will be pivotal in this equation.

    Five: Turkey purchasing Chinese arms may be a result some disagreement or problem between Ankara and its NATO allies - or a simple matter of Ankara trying to execute "independent" politics. I wouldn't read too much into it.

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  28. ArevordiOctober 30, 2013 at 8:52 PM

    T.K.

    Regarding your "Arevordi Fix", think of it this way: At least it's an addiction you wont feel guilty about and one that is actually good for you.

    Thank you for reading.

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  29. AnonymousOctober 30, 2013 at 9:16 PM

    Arevordi
    i am a certified addiction treatment specialist and don't see a problem with a healthy 'fix'. what i meant is a habit or something you get used to, doesn't have to be a chemical addiction, so please don't spin my words. thank you.
    Going back to the subject- I feel our president Sargsyan has made a timely decision to join CU. It was also a brave decision that may become a precedent. I am happy Armenia became the first country to show the finger to EU. And i think it will have the desired effect or a chain reaction. I believe that was the aim.

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  30. Kim PhilbyOctober 30, 2013 at 10:10 PM

    Excellent analysis. The jewish lobby in the U.S. forces the White House to work for the benefit of Israel, even when it goes against the interests of America.

    The Armenians, in a lot of points, share the same interests as the Russians; there is no need to lobby and convince them to take actions detrimental to them, there is however need to intensify Armenian lobbying efforts to maximize the potential there exists between Russia and Armenia and convince them to increase the support in things that are in both countries' interests.

    If the Azerbaijani lobby in Russia was weak a few years ago, the last few years they have become very active and have achieved a lot, both within the Kremlin, Russian media, education system etc. The Armenians, found in all layers of society, are generally sleeping, disorganized and think only of how to make more money (what Joseph Emin was already complaining about in the 18th century).

    Intensified lobbying would have meant bigger Russian investments, an already finished North-South highway, an already finished North-South railway, and already finished new Metsamor Nuclear power plant, an already upgraded Nairit factory, etc.

    Because of Armenia's "complementary" politics, and especially because of Armenia's sleeping Diaspora (Raffi Hovanissian had a HUGE fan base in Russia), whose lobbying efforts effectively have been worse than that of Kim Kardashians', Russian-Armenian relations have remained at a minimum level; at such a minimum-level that to even dream/speak about what Arevordi is writing (connection to Black Sea, Russia), is almost impossible, though it shouldn't have been so.

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  31. ArevordiOctober 31, 2013 at 1:08 AM

    Kim Philby,

    You are addressing a very sour point and something I have been persistently talking about for the past ten years. While the keys to Armenia's successes - and failures - rest in Moscow, Armenians are busy chasing Western fairytales. While Moscow is the alpha and the omega of the Caucasus, Armenians are wasting themselves "lobbying" reptilians in Washington. Your description of the Russian-Armenian community (the largest and the most affluent Armenian diaspora in the world) is very revealing, sad and frustrating at the same time. What right do we have to call ourselves a nation? Our darkest pages in history (I'm afraid not all of them may have yet been written) have ultimately been made possible because of our traits: politically illiterate, arrogant, jealous, tribal, օտարամոլ, self-serving, self-righteous, emotionally unstable, naive, individualistic, materialistic and gypsy-like.

    If you have not yet done so, please read the following blog commentary -

    A critical look at Armenians: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-need-for-cyber-activism-and-why.html

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  32. AJOctober 31, 2013 at 1:16 AM

    At the moment, a common Russian-Armenian border is not a very urgent matter.
    Flow of goods and machinery will soon start flowing more freely and in larger volumes from Armenia to the Black Sea and Russia via Georgia.
    It is more urgent to disrupt Azerbaijan's (and potentially central Asia's) natural gas flow to Georgia and Westward.
    This disruption can materialize only in case of a renewed Armenian-Azerbaijani war. It's already overdue.
    In case Russia provides air cover, Armenian forces can disrupt and control the pipeline route in a mattter of few days in the Northern Tavush.
    Such a war will bring-in Russian peacekeeping forces into the area of conflict.
    Such a war will bring Azerbaijan completely under Russian control.
    Such a war will bring a final solution to the Artsakh issue, based on de facto borders.
    Such a war will deliver to Russia ultimate control over energy extraction, distribution and pricing.
    Allowing the Anglo-American-Zionist axis to tap into Central Asian energy resources will be a major loss for China,Iran, and Russia combined.
    With the backdrop of the above hypothesis, one can imagine why Russia armed Azerbaijan with weapons (increasing the chances of renewed conflict). One can understand China's interest in building a North-South railway through Armenia despite the fact that it does not have major gains in such a venture except for blocking an alternative East-West transport and energy corridor through Georgia and Azerbaijan, thereby protecting its interests in Central Asia .
    If we were to be realistic, the time is ripe and a new war is very imminent.
    Georgia will remain silent while it drifts slowly into Russian orbit. Iran will remain neutral. Russia will protect Armenia's and Artsakh's airspace. Europe will demand an immediate ceasefire.
    With the current backdrop one can understand why Europe always insists on peaceful solution, because the alternative would mean a disruption of energy flow for years to come, increased dependance on Russia, fewer bargaining chips with Iran over the nuclear issue because they will need Iran's energy.
    Will Turkey and Israel would be promoted to intervene?
    You might also enjoy this article
    http://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/10/china-is-pivoting-to-central-asia-but-is-washington-paying-attention/280921/

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  33. AJOctober 31, 2013 at 1:59 AM

    Here is a very interesting and up to date commentary on Artsakh.

    However I don't think the authors opinion is well received in Washington circles. But it gives an idea about US concerns and motivations towards Armenia.

    http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/kerry-go-fix-karabakh-8765

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  34. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 2:01 AM

    Dear Arevordi,

    Im not saying that I disagree with you but if we are all those things you say we are then whats the point in you trying to do what you are doing? A cripple cant run no matter how hard you want him to.

    Long time reader

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  35. ArevordiOctober 31, 2013 at 3:31 AM

    AJ,

    I also think that a final battle to determine the status of Artsakh is near. Such a war will also determine Baku's political allegiance. I think Moscow is carefully engineering such a battle. It will be limited in scope but will have a very clear set of goals. Again, this underscores the paramount importance of Armenian lobbying efforts in Moscow.

    Long time reader,

    I wouldn't go as far as comparing Armenians to cripples. With proper conditioning (i.e. social engineering) Armenians will have great potential. We have the potential to be a regional superpower and an economic powerhouse. Armenians excel in a lot of things. Armenians needs guidance. Armenians must excel in Armenia, not in the US, not in France, not in Lebanon, etc. One of our main problems is our folk culture. Read Hovhaness Tumanian's beloved children's fairytales and you'll see what I'm talking about. Collectively, we have the global outlook of very individualistic, very ambitious peasants striving to survive materially. And we do not understand or appreciate statehood. We know why we have been degraded to such a level. We have suffered over one thousand years of cultural as well as genetic damage. Such damage is not easy to fix, but it can be done. As Svediatsi mentioned: We need a well designed conditioning of the people through nation-wide propaganda and social engineering. As a first step, we need to recognize our flaws and we need to stop considering the garbage in our communities as our compatriots. My task here is to help good Armenians such as yourself to develop critical thinking towards Armenians, politics and history and begin looking at things from an alternative perspective.

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  36. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 4:00 AM

    @ AJ October 30, 2013 at 5:16 PM

    Very interesting post. War is always dangerous and unpredictable, and even a drop of Armenian blood is precious, but since war is inevitable this is the proper way our people need to look at it.

    @ Everyone arguing about Europe:

    Firstly, Europeans are just genetically superior and capable of creativity, order, civility, abstract thought, philosophizing, and all of the technological and scientific developments that go along with that, which asiatics, africans and hispanics can never achieve on their own. No doubt that a world without Europeans would be a primitive hellhole (See "It's a Wonderful Race http://www.tomatobubble.com/wonderfulrace1.html)

    I very much doubt that Arevordi, a wise man in history and politics, and a man who appreciates the glory that National Socialist Germany represented, has fallen for any social-marxist agitprop. Look that the context in which Arevordi highlights western Europe's colonialist and exploitative past:

    Armenia's Captain America's and self-destructive peasantry are trying to spread hysteria through propaganda that "ascending to the Custom's Union will be the end of Armenia's sovereignty and the ultimate absorption of the Armenian people into Russians". Arevordi points out that several dozen minorities, including Armenia for the past 200 years, have not only maintained their cultural identity under Russian rule, but have seen renaissances. Compare this to the elimination of the natives of North America and Australia, the hybridization of the natives of Central and South America, and the scope of slavery in Africa and the Caribbean.

    Additionally, Europe's current wealth is undeniably a result of it's mercantile colonial past. That Europe now want's to spread black PR that Russia is "colonizing" the former Soviet nations is a declining Europe whining about the Rise of Russia in its role as Third Rome. And btw it's not for nothing that France still uses fighter planes to bomb niggers in resource-rich African countries it used to own, or that America's AFRICOM is planning to deploy US mercenaries/troops in several dozen African states.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Kim PhilbyOctober 31, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    http://armenianow.com/society/human_rights/49647/armenia_lgbt_human_rights_celebrities_petition_antigay

    When I read the title "Diaspora Armenians supporting Gay Rights," I thought by myself, surely it isn't the Armenian community in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Russia; probably these are Westernized Armenians.

    And yes, as we can see again, Armenians in the West are mostly busy - not unconditionally building up Armenia - introducing Western fairytales such as "transparency", "human rights", "women's issues", and now "gay rights", criticizing Armenia, wanting to change Armenia culturally, leading to denigration and further stagnation...

    One has to realize the Customs Union is purely economical, but the Association Agreement is 50% economical and 50% cultural(!), meaning Armenia had to change its culture/values/norms, so more destructive feminism would grow, consumerism, individualism, anti-Christian values + destruction of our national church, gay rights, etc... compare Western "values" to those now being promoted in Russia, -> Importance of National Orthodox Church -> Importance of Traditional Values, Family and Nationalism.

    Now make a choice yourself...

    ReplyDelete
  38. AJOctober 31, 2013 at 5:57 PM

    Breaking news

    Colonel Andrey Ruzinsky, commander of 102nd Russian military base in Armenia:
    “If the Azerbaijani authorities decide to restore the jurisdiction over Nagorno Karabakh by force, the military base may enter into an armed conflict in accordance with the legal obligations of the Russian Federation within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty.”
    http://armenpress.am/eng/news/738459/russian-military-base-may-interfere-in-case-of-azerbaijan%E2%80%99s-provocations.html

    I will drink to this development.

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 8:09 PM

    Arevordi jan what can I say I agree with you my friend. I live in crappy LA and you dont know how much I want there to be more Armenians like those in this blog. Anyway my friend there is more interesting comments coming from Russia http://arka.am/en/news/politics/nagorno_karabakh_s_ties_with_russia_should_be_as_strong_as_with_armenia_russian_expert_says/

    Long time reader

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousNovember 1, 2013 at 12:07 AM

    http://news.am/eng/news/178581.html

    Another not so subtle hint that Russia will not tolerate any Azerbaijani adventurism in the Caucasus.


    LG

    ReplyDelete
  41. AnonymousNovember 1, 2013 at 12:29 AM

    All these Unions and grandiose alliances across countries forming blocs contain the seeds of their own demise in time to come. What is the EU ? A compost of former nation states, now totally deracinated and lumped together in a grand mixer of panmixia dimensions. What is the European today ? A non descript lumpen .recently there was celebration in Germany at the election of two kaffirs in the German Bundestag. About 40 percent of the elected mps are of foreign origin. Most likely despicable and unspeakable Turks. Coming to the Eurasian union, nothing wrong with that, as long as Armenia is not led into a corral of social engineering with unlimited mass movement of certain kind of citizens invading the homeland . We have to have a wary eye and a lynx like vision to foresee and pre empt any potential sweeping away of our identity by mass transfers of aliens. We can see the demographic catastrophe wrought upon Greece by unrelenting Afro-Asian invasion. Greece has ceased to be a sovereign nation, but it is a EU appendix , a kind of half way station or warehouse to keep the invading armada destined to fan out to the rest of the decadent and impotent European entities . We categorically and uncompromisingly reject such a possibility to befell our national homeland. As far as the diasporan armenians are concerned, specially those of America and Canada, the best they can do is stay put where they are, work hard, make as much money as they can and send all the savings they can to the homeland, for it security and protection. They must become involved in our social and political life. A failed lawyer like Raffi is one too many to tolerate. We just want their moral, and monetary support. Obviously if they wish to return, they must do so, but must leave their baggage of democracy, human rights, anti racism, multiculturalism and other nonsensical Judaic dogmas and credos back in America and Canada. We do not need those toxic venoms and poisonuous tocsins imported into Armenia by these do good pseudo moralists and holier than thou westernized brothers in blood. If you do not like the way Armenia is, do not worry, do not come but keep sending your monies. At least they can be useful somehow to the homeland. Sushi lusavor

    ReplyDelete
  42. ArevordiNovember 1, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    Anonymous (Sushi lusavor)

    I must say your comments were powerful. I fully agree with you - especially your comments about the Diaspora. Armenia's membership in the Customs Union/Eurasian Union should not worry you. The pact in question is based on traditional, old world political and economic values. What Armenia needs to stay far away from is Anglo-American-Jewish entities. Have you posted comments here before?

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousNovember 1, 2013 at 3:37 PM

    CSTO PA delegates visit Armenia-Azerbaijan border
    http://news.am/eng/news/178663.html

    These recent developments with Russia and the CSTO making unprecedentedly open and direct statements in support of Armenia in the immediate aftermath of azeri snipers murdering an Armenian officer and injuring several Armenian soldiers is a most welcome response.

    Not only does this make it clear to azerbaijan that reckless azeri behaving will be suicidal for azerbaijan, but more importantly this is a needed psychological weapon to use against those who are agitating against Armenia's ascension to the Custom's Union or claiming that Russia/the CSTO will force Armenia to give away Artsakh. I hope the pro-government media in Armenia highlights this fact over and over to counter the anti-Russian hysteria of the western-funded "opposition" propaganda outlets, until a majority of Armenian society appreciates the importance of the Russian-Armenian Alliance.

    Armenia was the first country where the nato-funded, anti-Russian "color revolutions" of the 2000s were stopped back in 2008, let us hope now that Armenia and Artsakh become the first countries where the Russian-led CSTO achieve their first victory as a united organization against a nato-backed adversary.

    ReplyDelete
  44. AJNovember 1, 2013 at 11:39 PM

    With respect to Armenian-Azerbaijani military balance.
    A- acquisition of military gear in large amounts from various states means literarily nothing in terms of strenghtening the military combat readiness and technical know-how. A nation can stockpile massive amount of weapons that end up in some military depots with a layer of dust on top to be paraded once a year at the national square, a visual companion to the national anthem. If only one tenth of Azerbaijan's acquired weapons were deployed at tactival offensive locations throughout the country and well integrated through electronic communications with radar systems, air defense, infantry, tank brigade units, intelligence gathering, tecnhical engineering teams combined with a uplifting morale in the army, they would have won a war over Armenia in no time and they would not have hesitated to do so. Azerbaijan acquires its arsenal from Israel, US, Russia, Turkey, Belarus, South Africa, South Korea (at least 7 countries), that would make an impossible feat for even the most technically advaned system engineers to integrate all these different non-compatible technologies into one a coherent well integrated system.
    On the other hand, who supplies Armenian army its weapons? 100% time tested, robust Russian gear that are fully compatible with each other, integrated into one successful defensive system, moreover, it is integrated into the Russian army itself through the base in Gyumri, add to that the topographic advantage of a natural mountaineous fortress. So who is the winner?
    2- capacity to inflict human losses. Armenia's population is 2.5 million ( i doubt it though), Azerbaijan has 10 million. Many Armenian villages are deserted semi empty whereas Azerbaijani villages are densely populated. Azerbaijan has 10 cities with over The missile to casulaty ratio is to Armenia's advantage.
    Nearest Azerbaijani city to Yerevan, Ganja, 170 Km, population over 350,000
    Nearest Armenian city to Baku, Stepanakert, 280 Km , population 53,00
    In case of a war, the government will in due time order the Armenian ordinary citizens to crawl from Yerevan, Stepanakert to the rural surrounding to take shelter in the villages, this will dramatically minimize if not eliminate Armenian losses. Azerbaijan cannot react likewise because if their bordering towns/cities civilans migrate suddenly inwards due to shelling from Armenian side, this will create social tension in Baku when thousands of refugees flock into Baku.
    3- capacity to inflict economic losses. The highest value damages that Azerbaijani missiles can cause would be things like a dairy factory or an old rusted chemical facotry, nairi rubber plant for example, we are dealing with damages in the scale of a few million USD. Armenia on the other hand can strike a handful of missiles on Sangachal Terminal (one of the largest gas processing plant in the world). The terminal is localized in a dense 500 hecater of real estate merely 250 kilometers from Artsakh (no need for Iskander-M in this case). The destruction caused by a few missiles to this fine technological masterpiece would be in the magnitude of billions of dollars, not to mention that it would bring the entire Azerbaijan energy based economy into an everlasting freeze leading to a socio-economic disaster that would cause the population to revolt against Aliyev. Russia and Iran's role to restabilize the country would be very appreciated.
    This only touches the tip of the iceberg. Consider it as such, Azerbaijan's acquisition of super cool expensive weapons and parading them once a year is a great way from Aliyev to fool the sheep to remain in control, if the sheep get control of the weapons they will use it first on Aliyev clan.

    ReplyDelete
  45. SvediatsiNovember 2, 2013 at 9:53 AM

    Sarkis' analysis on a potential second base in the south of Armenia is of utmost importance and we should approach it very seriously. If that isn't enough proof that we are that important to Russia and that we can exploit this opportunity to the full then I don't know what is. I would also like to bring to your attention the following article, which is yet another proof that we've got a superpower that is investing highly on us:

    Russian Troops in Gyumri will Retaliate if Azerbaijan Attacks
    http://asbarez.com/115675/russian-troops-in-gyumri-will-retaliate-if-azerbaijan-attacks/

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousNovember 2, 2013 at 8:56 PM

    A Russian base in southern Armenia would be a very strategic move.

    Long time reader

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousNovember 3, 2013 at 12:50 AM

    Why would any country put another base just a few km away from the base they already have. No sense. The Gyumri base has strategic coverage over all of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran and Turkey. How do we know that Russian tactical nuclear missiles aren't already at Gyumri. There is already a squadran of Mig29s at Erebuni air base and soon they will have a squadran of helicopters too. Russian military presence in Gyumri is very precisely calculated and measured against the Nato presence in the region. Any Turkish military base in Nakhichevan will increase Russia's military presence in Armenia and likely get a green light from Russia for Armenia to invade Nakhichevan. Just like Nato's patriot battalions in Turkey resulted in Eskander missiles in Gyumri. We must remember that Russia's military presence in Armenia is very political and limited to intelligence gathering and missile delivery only. 16 Migs and 3000 servicemen do not make an offensive army for capturing ground. Only the Armenian army can do that with intelligence support from the 102nd. Therefore we should push for a stronger Armenian military base in Zangezuer and closer intelligence contacts with the 102nd.

    Arto2

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  48. ArevordiNovember 3, 2013 at 6:12 AM

    I sympathize with the idea of having another Russian military base in southern Armenia. If we really need it, why not? But I totally agree with the comments made by Arto2. I think Yerevan needs to fully exploit its close relationship with Russia to further strengthen Armenian forces throughout Armenia and Artsakh. As long as Russia covers Armenia's border with Turkey/NATO and continues to provide Armenia with military support, Armenian troops will be more than able to handle anything Azerbaijan can throw at Artsakh. Moreover, Russia does not need another military base in Armenia to stop an aggression from Baku: One phone call can do that. Although I'm open to the idea of another Russian base in Armenia, I fear that an overly powerful Russian presence in Armenia may weaken Armenian revolve in military matters. In other words, I don't want Yerevan to become too complacent or too dependent on another party for its security, even if the other party is a close ally. Yes, Armenia needs Russian support - but it needs to do the holy work of fighting for Armenia itself. But I have a feeling Moscow is looking to further bolster its military presence in Armenia. Again, I have no problems with an increased Russian presence in Armenia - as long as Armenians don't become too complacent or too dependent.

    ReplyDelete
  49. AJNovember 3, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    I also am in agreement with Arto 2 that the base in Gymuri has quite a large coverage (at least it has potential to be upgraded to increase its coverage).
    Folowing steps could further fortify our military posture
    1- buy more Scud-B missiles to deploy them in Artsakh (why Syunik if you have Artsakh?). So far I think there are four Scud-B launchers there, so why not doubling that to 8 with some 4 missiles to each launcher and spread them in multiple locations in underground hangars.
    2- boost the production of Krunk drones to 10 drones a year, with continuous upgrades to the existing ones (software, electronics, camera, operational range, speed, flight dynamics etc.) the cost of drone production should be cut down to a minimum so that losses during war time would not cause any tactical disadvantage. Experience from Iranians alsoe can be valuable in this field.
    If we take it that Scud-B has a 300 Km range
    The distance from Stepanakert to the following stategic targets are as follows:
    Sangachal Terminal 230 km
    Karadag compressor station 250 km
    Haydar Aliev Refinery 270 km
    Azerineftyag Refinery 300 km
    So all of them are within range of Armenian controlled missiles in Artsakh.
    Sangachal by itself would piss-off British Petroleum very much. The Anglo-American-Zionist rats would be calling for a ceasefire immediately if one single missile falls on this facility.
    Map here
    http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Baku_pipelines.svg
    Targeting the remaining refineries would be like the final nail on the coffin.
    The low cost (homemade) drones would enable us to gather location data of any approaching military units to neutralize them at their early stages using short to medium range rockets and/or artillery.
    PS: Azerbaijan cannot strike Armenia's main energy producing facility (Metsamor power plant)that supplies over 45%. of Armenia's electricity needs. Any unfortunate accident at this power station will
    A: affect their azerbaijani population in turkish igdir city
    B: the radioactively contaminated water will flow into Arax river that makes their brothers in Nakhichevan irrigate their food with polluted waters.
    Russia's move to deploy Iskander-M shows how seriously they take this issue and the strategic depth they attribute to their presence in Armenia as Arevordi always have emphasized.

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousNovember 4, 2013 at 12:04 AM

    Whatever it takes the armed forces of Armenia have to be in a state of ever readiness. We can only survive if we arm ourselves to the teeth with sophisticated infrastructure and state of art weaponry. The aim and goal must be to make our armed forces the most intelligent, the best equipped ,the best and most efficient combat force in the region, and imbued with a fanatical spirit in the undying defense of our nation. It is our destiny to be an armed fortress. We must fulfill that destiny. We have to be all reliant on our armed forces. The Russian army base can be a guarantor of the inviolability of our borders, but the actual defense should be the prerogative of our own forces. Any outsider meddling and threatening our sacred homeland must be taught a lesson not to repeat the error twice. Armenia is our land for our race. Armenia must never become anything else but a homeland for its nationals. The armed forces are our present and future. Sushi lusavor

    ReplyDelete
  51. AJNovember 4, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    UK believes in peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict

    PanARMENIAN.Net - UK believes in peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, member of the House of Lords of the British Parliament and Chairman of Global Counsel Peter Mandelson said in Baku.

    "Eliminating this instability through the peaceful settlement of the conflict between the parties is of great importance," Mandelson said, quoted by Trend news agency.

    "This mission was entrusted to the OSCE Minsk Group and we hope its efforts in this direction will be successful," Mandelson added.

    http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/172177/

    In other words, piglet Mandelson on behalf of BP is telling Aliyev not to screw up their investment in Baku.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1241929/Mandelson-BP-job-Election-say-insiders.html

    ReplyDelete
  52. AJNovember 4, 2013 at 11:54 PM

    There has been some significant developments on the Syrian front for those who wish to stay updated on this issue
    Highlights
    * SAA took control over Safira,a strategic city south-east of Aleppo.
    * Turkey increasingly speaking against the Jihadi Wackos it has gladly imported into its borders.
    * Saudi-Turkish tension is at a high point.
    * FSA leader in Aleppo quit his post.
    * Turkey trying to warm up relations with Iran, you know why? because they want to re-open channels with Assad through Iran, that's why...

    All these developments point towards an ultimate defeat of the foreign mercenaries. Now it's a matter of determining the final kill zone, the main slaughter zone is rumored to lie somewhere between north of Aleppo and Raqqa extending until the Turkish border. I think prior to that there may be a possible escalation in Qalamoun (the mountains between Syria and Lebanon).

    It is expected that many of the mercenaries local and foreign will seek to flee Syria towards Turkey.
    The foreigners want to enter Turkey to transit back to their origin countries. But it is unlikely these whackos are allowed back to their countries because of the security threat after being trained in extremist groups in Syria (Chechens for one will not be allowed re-entry to Russia). So they shall seek residence in Turkey :) moreover the Syrian rebels also will want to get the hell out of Syria when the major offensive starts, simply to wait it out in Turkey and see the political developments hoping for Assad's pardon.

    It is common to see such protests in South east Turkey, but the cause of the protest this time is against Turkey building a wall along Syrian border. Yup, Turkey is about to build a 600 Km wall on its Syrian border. What a silly idea...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy48uOUnzGk

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p_Fiyxc0vU

    It is also theoretically possible that the Islamists turn their weapons towards Turkey. They already have fought against the FSA who are supposed to be Turkey's fighters.

    ReplyDelete
  53. AnonymousNovember 5, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    German historian Hilmar Kaiser's criticism of historian's from Armenia caught my eye as I read this article. These ultraliberal, raceless freaks need to stop mixing their poisonous politics into the study of history.

    http://asbarez.com/115747/istanbul-conference-opens-discussion-on-islamized-armenians/

    He also pulled no punches in criticizing the academic work carried out in Armenia for the past twenty years, labeling it as not only academically inferior but also damaging giving its nationalist, even racist overtones. Luckily, Kaiser noted, there is a new generation of academics coming of age in Armenia who are raising the bar when it comes to academic scholarship, pointing to the presence of two young scholars from Armenia as panelists.

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousNovember 5, 2013 at 9:48 PM

    So will Vladimir the Great be visiting Armenia anytime soon?

    ReplyDelete
  55. AJNovember 5, 2013 at 9:53 PM

    "So will Vladimir the Great be visiting Armenia anytime soon?"

    first we need to clean some of our monkeys so they won't disturb the mood when Putin is in town.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g35r-EiXC4

    ReplyDelete
  56. ArevordiNovember 5, 2013 at 9:53 PM

    Now that the disagreements about Yerevan's complimentary politics is over, I expect to see the great president of the Russian Federation in Armenia on an official visit hopefully before the end of this year.

    His visit is well overdue.

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousNovember 5, 2013 at 11:51 PM

    What the hell happened in Yerevan today? Why is this terrorist would-be revolutionary shant harutiunian not rotting in a gulag given his long history of violence and terrorism? If any American citizen even once tried to pull in the United States what this harutiunian scum has done on several occasions in Armenia, then that American citizen would have been given the Bradley/Chelsea Manning treatment. There is way too much political freedom in Armenia and way too many foreign-funded provocateurs. I sincerely hope they make an example out of this criminal... And what a shame that a quick google search for "shant harutiunian" brought up bullshit about him being a "political prisoner."

    http://asbarez.com/115830/protest-turns-explosive-in-yerevan/

    ReplyDelete
  58. ArevordiNovember 6, 2013 at 2:37 AM

    What happened in Yerevan today was just another measure to punish Sargsyan's administration due to its recent decision to join the Russian-led customs Union. Ever since Yerevan's historic September 3 announcement, Armenia's Western-led freaks (you know who they are) have been working in overdrive. Therefore, as predicted, we can all expect more fireworks.

    Nevertheless, I have been warning about situations like this. Enough of this "complimentary politics" bullshit. We need to stop giving Western-led NGOs and propaganda outlets the freedom to destabilize Armenia. We need to stop tolerating the nation's Western-led political opposition freaks. The Armenian government is too lenient. This leniency is being looked upon as weakness by Western powers. The only way to stop these freaks is to break their heads and spill their blood.

    Kill a few of them, jail the rest and we'll have the sociopolitical peace and stability needed to help Armenia continue its evolution.

    Sarkis is right. Had these people tried to pull off something like this in any Western nation, they would have been beaten, pepper-sprayed, tased, beaten some more, arrested, interrogated as terrorists, beaten some more and thrown in jail indefinitely...

    ReplyDelete
  59. SvediatsiNovember 6, 2013 at 4:42 AM

    It's good in one way what happened today. Now we have proof that there are people who are openly saying "guess what, we are going to make a revolution, we have sticks, rocks, benzine, gas, and we're going to cause terror acts". Hope people will wake up and see what the opposition's true intentions are.

    ReplyDelete
  60. ArevordiNovember 6, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    I agree Svediatsi, what happened today was good, just like what Zaruhi Boztanjian did in Europe was good. Since Armenians are irrational when it comes to politics, I remain hopeful that these kinds of actions by the Western-led political opposition in Armenia will finally open the people's eyes. I find it amusing that these opposition freaks are playing right into the hands of the authorities. I am pretty sure the authorities knew exactly what Shant Harutunyan was up to. Give them enough rope and they'll be sure to hang themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  61. AnonymousNovember 6, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    I agree with Svediastsi as well, the more dispicable that the clowns which the west employs to harm Armenia, the better Armenia's leadership appears.

    Am I overly optimistic to hope (believe) that the west is this desparate in Armenia? Are they so hopelessly lacking in any respectable agents on the ground that zaruhi cunt-stanjian, crazy-ass hayrikyan and this self-described terrorist-"revolutionary" are the best the west could muster? For all the studying they do of Armenian national characteristics, did they really conclude gay "rights" would galvanize Armenia's masses? Or terrorism to rally mass riots - they must have Armenia confused for one of their muslim allies.

    I don't want to underestimate the external enemies of Armenia, but the more I read about this man's psychopathic declarations of revolution, the more obvious it becomes that even the most gullible AYF member would sense "this isn't the way." Dare I say that the west is handing the Armenian government its very own "new Pearl Harbor" which would justify a final crackdown on western-funded subversives?

    And what about the west's main agents on the ground, they are rather quiet. That inbred, horse-faced white trash hick jon hughes, not a neigh out of him lately (pun intended). LTP and co are also not rocking the boat. Could it be these otherwise broken records have lost legitimacy in the Armenian publics eyes? Or did someone warn them that if they keep opening their mouths in Armenia they may find unwanted objects penetrating down into their throats?

    ReplyDelete
  62. armenNovember 6, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    Hey Arevordi,
    I love your posts, they give me a lot of hope for our homeland. Although I have to disagree with you on the subject of English. Given that Sargsyan is positioning Armenia to set itself up as a high tech powerhouse, learning English is going to be a must for those workers. It is the language that programming languages and code are written in and if Armenian specialists want to communicate with engineers in Silicon Valley, Scandinavia, India and China they are going to have to do so in English.

    ReplyDelete
  63. AJNovember 6, 2013 at 2:01 PM

    Interesting analysis on Artsakh (western perspective)
    http://www.isn.ethz.ch/Digital-Library/Articles/Detail/?id=171907

    the final point is particularly eye opening

    "The most difficult task is to convince the government of Azerbaijan to give up on Nagorno-Karabakh for the sake of peaceful co-existence and ultimately reducing Russia’s influence in and leverage on the South Caucasus region."

    So in other words, western observers acknowledge that Azerbaijan has to give up its claims on Artsakh if they intend to preserve their gains in the South Caucasus.

    ReplyDelete
  64. ArevordiNovember 6, 2013 at 9:15 PM

    Armen jan, thank you for reading.

    Regarding English: You are looking at the matter somewhat superficially. Let me put it another way: If I come to control the world's water supply, they will have no choice but to came to me to drink. If all need to come to me to drink, then I have the advantage over everyone else. Drinking from a source that has an agenda to manipulate and socially engineer human society may be necessary for survival, but it does not make it safe. Therefore, we need to figure out a way to be less dependent on this source.

    We are living in an Anglo-American-Zionist world. There are some some things such as English and the US Dollar that we will have to deal with for the foreseeable future, but that does not mean we should all embrace it recklessly and blindly, as we are currently doing. Besides, I never said we don't need English at all. After Armenian and Russian, we need to learn English as well... and why not French, German, Persian, Arabic, Chinese, etc. From a business perspective, what's more effective, dealing with a German industrialist via English or via German? From a political perspective, what's more effective, dealing with an Iranian official via English or Persian?

    Let Armenia's IT people deal with their counterparts around the world in English, but let's not make English an integral part of Armenia's everyday life.

    The main point I'm trying making is that English has become weaponized and is a catalyst for corrosive, globalist sociopolitical agendas, and that Russian needs to be protected as our nation's number two language.

    Russia is our only ally. It is our strategic ally. Russia is our largest trade partner. Russia is our largest investor. Russia is our most important source for energy. Russia hosts our largest Diaspora. Moreover, Russia's technology sector will outdo that of the West's in the next few decades. Armenia is small, impoverished, remote and surrounded by enemies in a very hostile environment. Armenia needs to concentrate its limited efforts wisely. As a result, Armenians need to concentrate their limited efforts in Russia, a country that holds the potential to fix most of Armenia's most fundamental problems and safeguard its existence.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. armenNovember 8, 2013 at 11:07 AM

      I see what you're saying now, perhaps the best approach would be to implement a case by case basis. I.E. Tech students learn English but politics, finance and business majors learn Russian plus Farsi, Chinese or whatever is necessary. I don't know much about Russia's IT sector but it will be interesting to see how they choose to interact with technology.

      Delete
  65. AnonymousNovember 7, 2013 at 1:58 AM

    Russia Offers to Subsidize Nuclear Plant

    http://asbarez.com/115886/russia-offers-to-subsidize-nuclear-plant/

    I'm glad to see we are reaping some serious rewards after announcing we will join the the Customs Union.

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousNovember 7, 2013 at 3:48 AM

    http://news.am/eng/news/179486.html

    Great, another bimbo playing politics.

    LG

    ReplyDelete
  67. AnonymousNovember 7, 2013 at 6:53 PM

    Ok it's official Putin is coming on dec 1-2. I want to go stand in front of USA embassy (the road from airport passes by) with a sign Putin we love you, Armenia's future is with Russia. anyone wants to join me. time to act, talking is nice but we need to counter all those russophobes.

    ReplyDelete
  68. ArevordiNovember 7, 2013 at 8:01 PM

    T.K.,

    I hope to see large numbers of our people turnout to greet him. The man is a living legend and in many ways, a savior. We need to welcome him with open arms. This is the perfect occasion to embrace this man and begin a pan-Armenian effort to promote Armenian interests amongst top level Russian officials.

    It is now being widely reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be visiting Armenia in early December -

    Putin to visit Armenia next month, says Russian-Armenian tycoon: http://armenianow.com/news/49857/armenia_visit_president_putin_sargsyan_ara_abrahamyan

    Expect a frenzy of anti-Putin hysteria by our nation's Western-led street whores and psychopaths masquerading as nationalists. Attached to this email is one such example brought to my attention by a reader. I call on Armenian authorities to crack-down hard on the nation's Western-led provocateurs and agitator ahead of his visit. We need to stop our Captain Americas, EUrotic fags, nationalist nutjobs and self-destructive peasantry from embarrassing us once again.

    Exactly a year ago, there were widespread reports that Vladimir Putin's visit to Armenia was imminent. It then became obvious that the trip was put off - most likely due to disagreements between Moscow and Yerevan over Yerevan's "complimentary politics". Now that Armenia's counterproductive foreign policy formulations that have kept the country politically unstable and economically stagnant for the past twenty years have been corrected as of September 3, I expect a visit by the living legend, I also expect a visit by him to the Armenian Genocide memorial.

    I wrote the following back in October, 2012. Please revisit it for the commentary is fully relevant today -
    The living legend may be visiting Armenia - October, 2012: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-living-leagend-will-be-visiting.html

    ReplyDelete
  69. AnonymousNovember 7, 2013 at 10:04 PM

    Arevordi
    We do need to appear as i am sure there will be others doing the opposite.
    there has been a big push in the construction of russian church about a mile down from usa embassy. i imagine they may finish up by the time Putin comes and do an opening ceremony.
    I will ask around to get an official permission to be on the road and great Putin. it is not hard for me to get some signs printed in russian and english. i will also get some like minded people to join me. i will make posts on your blog about the time and the place. hope other from your blog who will be in Armenia at the time will join.

    ReplyDelete
  70. AnonymousNovember 7, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    http://www.aysor.am/en/news/2013/11/07/vardan-oskanyan-1/


    He's still the West's man in Yerevan.

    LG

    ReplyDelete
  71. ArevordiNovember 8, 2013 at 8:12 PM

    T.K.,

    Please keep us updated on this matter.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hay AriNovember 11, 2013 at 12:57 AM

    Dear Arevordi,

    I wish to participate in the nation building process by planting a seed of endeavor.

    http://newarmenianparty.blogspot.de

    Your opinion is highly appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  73. ArevordiNovember 11, 2013 at 1:20 AM

    Hay Ari,

    I don't know anything about this "New Political Party" or the "seed of endeavor" you speak of. If you want my opinion, I first need to know: Who is involved in this. What is their political platform. Where are they located. Where do they stand on core political matters. Etc.

    ReplyDelete
  74. ArevordiNovember 11, 2013 at 1:22 AM

    Dear readers,

    I have revised and updated the current blog commentary.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Hay AriNovember 11, 2013 at 1:39 AM

    I don't know anything about this "New Political Party" or the "seed of endeavor" you speak of.
    >It is a new party.

    Who is involved in this.
    >So far only myself.

    What is their political platform.
    >Under development and open for suggestions.

    Where are they located.
    >Globally active with its main headquarter in Armenia.

    Where do they stand on core political matters.
    >Wherever its future members decide upon.

    The background of this is that I was considering to be politically active, however, I could not find any Armenian party that really encouraged me to be a member of. Therefore, the idea of starting a new party with agreeable principles flowed naturally.

    If one thinks the idea is very far fetched, I would like to hear your opinion if there are any Armenian political bodies that you think is worth participating in their activities, specially for the diaspora.

    ReplyDelete
  76. AnonymousNovember 11, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    I do not enjoy the term nation building. It is a zionized neologism. Nation building can take place in non descript countries with a falafel of peoples, languages, religions, sects and other. Armenia is a nation, there is no building an Armenian nation. Yes of course we can endeavor to make it strong, self reliant, powerful, great, etc , but nation building ? No, let the Juden use their chosen terms for themselves. Let them nation build Israel. As far as nationalist parties in Armenia are concerned, every Armenian is a nationalist, albeit of different favors, but essentially we are nation conscious and aware of who we are. At this juncture in our history we are fortunate , very fortunate that we have remain homogeneous and monoculltural, thus obviating the carcinogenic challenges of divisions, lack of unity and stresses and strains of intra cultural diversity and dis cohesion. It is a life and death struggle in the polymathic multicultural panmixia wrecking people's identity and nations which is under way in the global racial stew. By all means go ahead and start a political movement of nationalist essence, and make it grow and prosper. There would be no shortage of blessings to have a parliament represented by different nationalists parties, each trying to out armeniianize the other. Compare the rottedeness of the ossified parliaments in western capitals, everyone of them saturated with the canker of Marxism, Zionism partisanship trying to out zionized each other, in their eternal quest to masquerade like democracies.

    ReplyDelete
  77. AnonymousNovember 11, 2013 at 11:30 PM

    “Armenia in Eurasia” social alliance is formed

    YEREVAN. – The “Armenian Socialist Movement” social initiative and the “Eurasian Integration” NGO announced about the formation of the “Armenia in Eurasia” social alliance.

    Their respective statement notes that they see the imperative of the development of Armenia’s economic, military, political, societal, spiritual and cultural life in the country’s accession to the Customs and the Eurasian Unions.

    “The alliance will come up with a series of initiatives to assist in the process of Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian family.

    “The ‘Armenia in Eurasia’ social alliance is open to the cooperation-supporting social and political organizations, and individuals,” the newly-formed alliance’s statement reads.

    http://news.am/eng/news/180158.html

    ReplyDelete
  78. AnonymousNovember 12, 2013 at 3:03 AM

    Dear Arevordi,

    I really enjoy reading the comments posted by your readers. You have a very interesting community here. I hope it grows. To be on topic, I think the following news about Iran is also related to all this: http://asbarez.com/116034/iran-armenia-emphasize-expansion-of-ties/

    Long time reader

    ReplyDelete
  79. ArevordiNovember 12, 2013 at 4:56 AM

    Long time reader,

    I'm glad you enjoy reading this blog. And I agree with you that there are some very intelligent people posting comments on this blog. I only wish their numbers were greater.

    Moreover, I wish the anonymous ones would identify themselves with pseudonyms at the very least.

    ReplyDelete
  80. ArevordiNovember 12, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    Hay Ari,

    I know your heart is in the right place, but what makes you think you can start a political party?

    More importantly, are you sure you want to be "democratic" in building your political party?

    What if your political party gets populated by liberal, globalists seeking closer relations with Turkey? What if your political party gets populated by ultra-nationalistic nutjobs that want to close down the Russian military base in Armenia? What if your political party gets populated by Western operatives seeking European Union membership for Armenia. What if your political party gets populated with blind Russophiles who want Armenia under direct Russian rule? What if your political party gets populated by militant-homosexuals with a vendetta? What if your political party get populated with representatives of all of the above and as a result they constantly fight against each-other and get nothing done?

    I'm afraid you have it all wrong. You first formulate a political platform, suggest serious solutions to serious problems and then work to recruit and/or attract like minded individuals into your political party - then go public.

    With your approach, all you will be able to do set-up is a club, at best. Like I said, I know your heart is in the right place but what you are proposing is unrealistic and impractical - to put it in a nice way .

    In my opinion, we don't need yet another political party. We have enough parties; I'd even say too many. In fact, some of our political parties look excellent on paper - until you take into consideration the human/Armenian factor. What we need to do is to work with what we got. We need to help bring our existing political parties to their best potential.

    If you live in the Diaspora, there is nothing I can suggest to you because the Diaspora is a desolate graveyard. If you live in Armenia, you can get involved with any one of the nation's state-sponsored youth organizations. The ARF has one. Even the Hanrapetakan Party has one. The Hanrapetakan Party is by design a party based on Garegin Njdeh's ideology. It's all together another story what party members have been doing with the party in recent years. The platform of the party is very good and it desperately needs the services of young, bright and nationalistic men and women.

    Therefore, no new parties please. I suggest you work with what we have.

    Having said that, what we do need are serious activists, analysts and think tanks.

    We need to promote closer, more effective Russo-Armenian relations. We need organized pan-national lobbying efforts in the Kremlin. We need to preach about the importance of the Russian factor in Armenian affairs. We need to preach about what it means to be an Armenian. We need to preach about what it means to have an Armenian state. We need to preach about the importance of having political stability in Armenia. We need to preach about the importance of nationalism. We need to preach about the importance working with the state and within state to bring about positive change. We need to preach about maintaining ties with the homeland. We need to preach against negativism, pessimism and destructive criticism. We need to preach against involving Westerners in our domestic matters. We need to preach against the political West. We need to preach against American pop culture. We need to preach against Globalism. We need to preach against "western values". We need to preach against wasting time and money in anti-Armenian vipers nests like Washington and Brussels. We need to preach about the dangers of democracy? We need to preach about the dangers of capitalism.

    ReplyDelete
  81. ArevordiNovember 12, 2013 at 6:11 AM

    Hay Ari,

    In short, too many Armenians today are preoccupied with selfish/material interests. Too many Armenians today are blinded by Western fairytales. Too many Armenians today are politically ignorant or indifferent. Armenians need a better understanding of geopolitics and world history. Armenians need a better understanding of Armenians. We desperately need nationalistic activism in the name of the Armenian state. Nationalism is something that is severely lacking in Armenian society today.

    Don't make the mistake of confusing Armenian "pride" with Armenian nationalism. We have very few true nationalists.

    Most Armenians are "proud" Armenians. This pride is derived from their personal egotism, arrogance and narcissism. The individual is namely proud of his or herself, and since they also happen to be Armenian - they are "proud Armenians".

    We dont need "proud" Lebanese-Armenians or "proud" American-Armenians or "proud" Iranian-Armenians or "proud" Yerevantsis or "proud" Gyumretsis - what we need are NATIONALISTIC ARMENIANS. What we need are nationalists: Individuals that will serve the Armenian state - unconditionally - and place the wellbeing of the state above theirs.

    Nationalism is for disciplined, intelligent, politically aware, hardworking, humble and selfless people who put patriotic ideals above their personal interests. Nationalism is not for those who are arrogant, individualistic, narcissistic, materialistic, emotionally unstable, egotistic, self-righteous, politically ignorant and jealous people who place their personal interests or their emotional baggage above that of the greater nation.

    Sadly, due to Armenian genes and folk cultural (the by-product of one thousand years of decay), we have a deficit of true nationalism. This is a fundamental problem that needs to be remedied. Therefore, we all need to work on this problem if we want to have an Armenia that we can all be truly proud of someday.

    ReplyDelete
  82. AnonymousNovember 12, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    Just curious Arevordi, how do you propose remedying the problem of Armenain genes?

    Arto2

    ReplyDelete
  83. AnonymousNovember 12, 2013 at 6:58 PM

    Armenian genes are very good genes. Recently I paid a visit to Armenia; what a marvelous land, the beauty of its scenery and landscape, the beauty of her people. ( I'll never forget a conversation between a russian jew and the mother of an armenian friend of mine way back in 1988. The russian kept saying, in Armenia you have beautiful people.) In my meandering in Armenia, the words of this russian jew kept reverberating in my ears time and time again as I travelled form one paradisiacal spot on to another. Has anyone come into close contact with the Armenian peasant ? What a dignified personage . I have seen peasants in other lands, but the Armenian is different streets above the rest . Have you seen our wonderful soldiers ? In Karabagh you'll see plenty of them; it is an unforgettable sight. The words of General Lebed come to mind when visiting the Karabagh front in 1992, the general was much impressed by the bearing and pride of our boys in uniform, and he said these brave boys have defiance in their eyes and are the best guarantee for the Armenian people. Sadly ,the General a very pro-armenian, died in an air accident years later.
    Armenians have to be proud of their land , it is a bouquet country, and I wonder how many of them realize this ? The Armenian genes are clean, in Armenia that is. Of course there are some very unsavoury strains which are not Armenian, but they are in a minority and I doubt if they can have an impact on the racial make up. To cleanse the genes these alluded strains would have to be neutralized. With diasporan Armenians is another matter. Lebanese Armenians think in lebaneses terms, so Armenians in other lands they adopt and think in terms of their adopted homeland. The pokrik Hayastan has also one thing in its favor; they are isolated and surrounded by enemies. Being surrunded by mortal enemies is good, it makes the race strong, and alert to the dangers threatening her. Having said that nothing in this life is guaranteed, therefore the struggle to preserve the race, the people, the identity , the religion must be pursued to the very end. We do not want to follow in the footsteps of the europeans nations, who thanks to their ill conceived and trecherous national policies have allowed their countries to be hit by tsunami waves of invading hordes from Afro -Asia, causing a catastrophic dysgenic and biological disaster. Armenia must consciously guard against that and fight against it for her own survival.

    ReplyDelete
  84. ArevordiNovember 12, 2013 at 7:01 PM

    The Anglo-American-Zionist world has turned genetics and nationalism into taboo subjects. Consequently, this is a very touchy subject because most people do not know how to assess or approach this topic.

    For the past seventy plus years Western-led Globalist institutions (the UN being one of them) have spent immense sums of money and effort (via "scientific" studies, film, television, music, publications, school curriculum) downplaying the role of genes in human society and encouraging multiculturalism, race mixing and homosexuality for one primary reason:.

    1) Elimination of nationalism (which is related to race worship) and the curbing of masculinity from human society (specifically from white/Germanic societies historically recognized by the Anglo-American-Jews as a problem in Europe) for better global management and governance.

    In short, they have deemed that the American experiment works.
    As a result, they want to turn the world into a reflection of American society. This agenda lurks behind the modern world's well organized and well funded liberal movements.

    Due to factors noted above, most sheeple today associate this topic with Nazism and racism. Yet most sheeple today do not realize that when they talk about the differences in dogs for instance, they are essentially recognizing the importance of breeding and genetic makeup in animals, which include us humans (although we have souls).

    In the dog world: Although different kinds of modern dogs can be traced to one prehistoric ancestor, do Sheppard dogs have the same traits as Maltese dogs? Of course not. They are vastly different in looks, intelligence, physical capabilities and temperament. Why? Due to their breeding (genetic refinement or makeup).

    If released into nature, how would the two dogs in question do? It's easy to see how Sheppards can thrive whereas the Maltese wont.

    It's same with humans.

    I believe breeding/genetic makeup is the most fundamental tool of a nation that determines its future, its survival, its destiny. Our DNA provides us with predisposition and a genetic foundation - be it good or bad.

    Our DNA is why we Armenians for instance are naturally good in business, sciences, arts, sports, chess - as well as why we are temperamental, disorganized, controlling, individualistic, materialistic, flashy, jealous, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  85. ArevordiNovember 12, 2013 at 7:10 PM

    To continue:

    I believe national culture is a by-product of breeding/genetic makeup. Historically, human societies (e.g. Germanic, Latin, Armenian, Semitic, African, Slavic, etc) have been the way they have been due to their breeding.

    Therefore, breeding is key.

    Having said that, what do we do with Armenians?

    I have never specifically singled-out our genes as something that has to be fixed in any specific way. Such a suggestion would be utterly idiotic on my part. After all, humans are not lab experiments nor are they animals that can be bred (although that is exactly what the Western elite has been trying to do for over seventy years).

    Therefore, I have been somewhat vague in my statements: I have merely said our one thousand years old genetic and cultural damage needs to be eventually fixed. How we do that is another story, a story to which I do not have much to add.

    However, before we do anything we need to fully recognize that for more than one thousand years we have been genetically mixing with gene pools that were historically foreign to the Armenian highlands. The gene pools in question are Semetic (Arabian/Jewish), Turkic and Gypsy-like nomadic tribes from south-central Asia. This mixing has altered us physically and culturally. Let's first recognize this.

    Like I said, I don't know how to remedy the genetic equation of this problem in a realistic or effective way. If I had to however provide solutions, I guess the only thing I would suggest is procreation within our race since our genes are predominantly Armenian genes and we can eventually flush out the foreign influences. Or, at the very least, I suggest procreating with compatible races and cultures.

    Nevertheless, I would place most emphasis on education and conditioning (i.e. social engineering) to work with what history has dealt us and to bring out its best potential. Like I said, irregardless of what happened in the last one thousand years, we are Armenians and we continue to have great potential within us. We just need to figure out how to bring this out not for our personal benefit but for the benefit of our homeland.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hay AriNovember 12, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    Arevordi,
    While I agree on most of what you said,
    I cannot clearly understand your stand against the formation of a new political body in the diaspora after having said "the Diaspora is a desolate graveyard"...

    It is this exact political emptiness that needs to be dealt with, otherwise the diaspora Armenians will always be drawn towards the notorious pro-Western, Russophobe parties, hence they continue to be a liability for Armenia.

    Remember that the majority of Armenians are living abroad. Their energies need to be harvested and directed efficiently for the purpose of serving the Armenian nation.

    Although I enjoy commenting on forums and blogs, however such online activism is not a substitute for a genuine Nationalistic and pro-Eurasian political body that seems to be lacking at the moment.

    I do not intend to start a political party (in fact I do not have either the knowledge nor the time needed for such an endeavor), but I propose to start debating such a motion. If there are a number of Armenians who share such an opinion, then it is up to those individuals to initiate such an movement. Otherwise, if there are no interest at all, and if the current political bodies do satisfy the aspiration of most Armenians in the diaspora, then we can drop the whole topic.

    I personally can tell from my side, I am acquainted with at least five young and dynamic Armenians scattered over the world with a strong connection to their Armenian homeland, who are desperately looking for a political umbrella to co-ordinate and enhance their activism.

    I find it shameful that as diaspora Armenians, we should remain without a leadership, and without an organizational framework, except possibly for the ARF who you frequently criticize for understandable reasons.

    TK's following comment shows the current frustrating state of affairs
    "I will ask around to get an official permission to be on the road and great Putin. it is not hard for me to get some signs printed in russian and english. i will also get some like minded people to join me"

    Now imagine if we already had such a political body with a strong popular base within Armenia as well. We would have been able to mobilize thousands of partisans, we would have been able to print thousands of flags, posters and propaganda material, we would have completely overshadowed the few dozens of paid western agents who will try to protest Putin's visit, and finally, we would not have been pressed to collect a few like minded people just a month before the visit of such a global figure.

    I agree on the need of having think tanks, but that does not exclude the need of a political body. They go hand in hand.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hay AriNovember 12, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    I ask you to think more about this topic, you do have the political knowledge and obviously the time (your monthly commentaries need lots of time I assume), therefore you (and other commentators here) do have the capacity to start such a movement.
    In my opinion there is a niche, and it would be a waste not to take this opportunity.
    Finally, since we live in the 21st century, and the fact that Armenians are scattered throughout the globe, we have to consider ways of exploiting the internet as an instrument to connect and co-ordinate our scattered population.

    There are a number of internet based political party initiatives, they are still at their initial stages, but this will certainly grow in the near future.
    Some examples of internet base political parties

    Online Party of Canada
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Party_of_Canada

    Digital Revolutions: Argentina’s Online Political Party Shakes Up City Government
    http://thisbigcity.net/digital-revolutions-argentinas-online-political-party-shakes-up-city-government/

    Internet election campaigns can change Japan's politics
    http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/editorial/AJ201304200031

    ReplyDelete
  88. AnonymousNovember 13, 2013 at 12:04 PM

    The kikes whining when things don't go exactly their way. This is why every nation they come into contact with sooner or later wants to exterminate them.

    http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/11/10/israel-us-relations-iran/3488455/

    And fuck france. I can't wait over the next few years as economic collapse and a tipping point in muslim and african demographics plunges france into a well-deserved civil war.

    ReplyDelete
  89. AnonymousNovember 13, 2013 at 12:26 PM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=V0JYZ3yBdsQ


    Ignore the bullshit speech and read the comments on this video. Fuck briain either way.

    ReplyDelete
  90. ArevordiNovember 13, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    Hay Ari,

    I understand you. I sympathize with you. Yes, we do need to fill the void in emptiness of the Diaspora but I do not think your suggestion is realistic. I think the caliber of the Armenian today, especially the American-Armenian, is very low. We need to work on raising political awareness in our communities. We need to work on helping Armenians better understand their history and the world they live in. I think the internet is a powerful tool for this. Mind you that this is merely only my personal opinion. This does not mean I am not with you. In fact, you can consider me a member of your political party. And look at this blog as my political/ideological stance, one that is made public every month.

    In the meanwhile, see if you can begin contacting different organizations, churches, clubs, activists, etc, to see if you can recruit them. I think Armenian student organizations would be a good place to start.

    ReplyDelete
  91. AnonymousNovember 13, 2013 at 10:57 PM

    http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-serbia-military-pact-/25167365.html

    This is a positive development. More effort should be put into bringing Serbia closer to the EAU and CSTO.


    LG

    ReplyDelete
  92. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 12:05 AM

    In 1934. Rosenberg pronounced France, as the first African European country in the Europe. That was in 1934. Today France is a laboratory of rampant miscegenation and race degradation of the first order. The UK has become a hotbed of Asian races with the statutory sprinkling of Caribbean genes. Germany is now thoroughly judaized internally and turkified externally. Sweden is a miasma of Afro Arabia, the Mediterranean cordon, Spain, Italy , Greece have been turned into latrines of Afro-asi attic flotsam. The Balkans have been fractured and littered with Muslim statelets under the auspices of the USA-EU mantle. There are a lot of Armenians in France, a civil war there is going to affect them adversely. A size able Armenian community in Greece , well established and prosperous, and on the whole patently nationalistic. In Argentina,Uruguay,Brazil, strong well established communities. The minister of sport in Uruguay is an Armenian woman, used to belong to the militant Marxist movement in her youth. Now she has been rewarded by the party with a ministerial post. In Argentina the chief of the anti discrimination,antisemitism, xenophobia NGO ( a nasty organ created by the Jews in 1995) is an Armenian , muradian,. This muradian is a Jewish broom, it has brought charges of antisemitism, xenophobia and other humanistic , human rights doctrinal aberration against many and sundry for senseless behavior, muradian has yet to bring an anti Armenian charge against anybody. Such a talent wasted in the services of an international octopus. Armenians in Argentina and Uruguay are very nationalistic, so are the Brazilian armenians, the latter ones emigrated to Brazil mainly from the Middle East, and during the 60's. In Argentina the president of the Mint in the Menem government of the 90's was Armenian too. Very wealthy, who bankrolled Menem' s initial presidential bids. In the 70,s the Armenian restaurant ( the tashnak one) was the favorite rendevouz point of the argentine military, notable figures such as Videla, Viola, Agosti , etc, were seen dining there at regular intervals. The restaurant is still running and is one of the finest in the city. It is frequented by a torrent of tourists, and very much liked and loved by the judas customers. On a Friday evening there is Armenian dancer and singer and the place is booked by almost 80 percent of the judas clientele.

    ReplyDelete
  93. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 1:29 AM

    Armenian student organizations would be a good place to start

    Comrade Arevordi, as an Armenian post-graduate student myself, I have to issue a strong warning about Armenian Student Organizations. By the time a majority of Diasporan Armenian students reach the university level and beyond, they have been effectively brainwashed very thoroughly during the decade of their lives where they formed their core political and ideological beliefs (ie late teens to late twenties). The religion of the west ("democracy" and mob rule, USA-good Russia-bad, the Holy hollowhoax, etc.) has taken strong root in a majority of such students, and they are likely to be zombie-like victims harvested by pre-packaged western trojan horses preaching "freedom and democracy" such as raffi hovannisian. Perhaps the situation is not as bad among Armenian students in technical fields (medicine, engineering, chemistry, physics, information technology) but I'd generally steer clear of a majority of the Armenians in the self-styled "social sciences" (law, history, law, child development, law, anthropological studies, law, sociology and race relations, and the especially ideologically toxic field of law where a large number of western agents in Armenia originated). Those tend to be the asbarezes which attract the overly-educated, under-intelligent, politically illiterate political activists that plague our community.

    On a side note since social sciences attract the students who think more politically than average, it is also here where you may find the most potentially capable political leaders, but its like searching for a gem in the sewers.

    ReplyDelete
  94. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 1:53 AM

    http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/13/western-raised-jihadists-pouring-into-syria-could-threaten-us-in-future/


    Typical symptoms of nations suffering under ZOGs (zionist occupied governments).

    ReplyDelete
  95. AJNovember 14, 2013 at 2:01 AM

    France

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4GQO7iV_Q4

    ReplyDelete
  96. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 4:20 AM

    Comrade Arevordi

    Your thoughts regarding race and how its biologically connected to human culture are powerful. This resonates with me fully. I also see how the world's globalist elite is trying to "breed" a new mixed humanity and they are staring with europeans probably because europeans have been the proudest and most racist in the past. I find it difficult to talk about this kinds of topics with my peers. Sarkis is correct, americans are zombies, their brains just cant go to certain places. Its almost scary how conditioned "free thinking" human can become. Thanks to you I now beginning to see russia as a potential salvation for the white race, christianity, traditional family values, straight people and nationalism

    Arto#1

    ReplyDelete
  97. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 4:42 AM

    Let me just add on the topic of the death of western European countries like france and britain that, while I cannot spare an itoa of sympathy for countries I ultimately hold liable for the Armenian Genocide (from their treachery during the Crimean War to their nato alliance with turkey today), I am at the end an Armenian nationalist and I recognize that Armenia is genetically and culturally linked to western Europe, and that Europeans are the most productive peoples in the world. There is an element of tragedy seeing their current states and bleak futures. But they cannot continue to exists as they are and continue actively propelling themselves and their people down the path to destruction.

    This concern for their survival is a major part of why I justify my decision to cheer their demise and collapse in their current form. Because until the ZOGs (zionist-occupied governments) and the supernational EU which are the sole authorities in Europe cross the point of no return and collapse, there will be absolutely no chance for any positive change for those countries. When the states collapse, when the ZOGs are no longer able to subsidize immigrants through taxes and wealth redistribution, when the state "security agencies" are no longer capable of repressing Nationalism, when the propaganda outlets are no longer able to fool the masses that "democracy and diversity" are the reason Europeans enjoy such elevated living standards, only then will the Europeans who are still capable of thought and patriotism have a fighting chance to save their countries. The sooner this happens, the better. Nature and a life/death battle for survival will be the best antidote for 75 years of ultraliberal brainwashing. Europe today is as fucked up as weimar Germany or Yetsin's Russia (under different specifications of course), and such times have historically proven to produce the required strongmen to remedy the situation.

    It is ironic how many White Nationalists point out that the aim of the jews has always been to collapse western countries. Now the situation has devolved to the point where kikes control and exploit the state apparatuses of these countries, and so nationalists should be hoping for the collapse of their states as soon as possible. It is a necessity if they ever wish to rebuild their countries.

    And I'm sorry Armenians in those diasporas, and even non-Armenian Europeans, will suffer tremendously during these tumultuous times. The natives in many ways have no one to blame but themselves for letting their countries fall to foreign control, and for allowing their people to fall for the lies of foreign segments of society. Of course, as with most major problems around the world, if you look deep enough all the blame can be laid on the hooked-nosed, yarmulke-wearing deceivers walking among us.

    ReplyDelete
  98. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 4:44 AM


    And since we're talking about the decay of France, let me post this review I wrote of the idiotic french film glorifying the Armenian-origin french traitor missak manoushian. Forgive the very crude language I used when I wrote it:

    Army of Crime is a fucking embarrassment lionizing the filthy communist named missak manushian who led a group of "French" kikes and Armenians in committing terrorist acts against German-allied France during World War 2. Of course there were "tender" moments where the jewish subordinates lashed out at the "Armenian" manushian because he could not understand how bad Hitler was because he was not a jew, to which manushian responds that he in fact sympathized with his oppressed jewish comrades because Armenians too have suffered like the jews. One wonders how a hardcore bolshevist like manoushian who abhorred the concepts of Nation and Nationalism can be upheld as an exemplar of the Armenian nation in France, but this film does its utmost to do just that. No wonder real Frenchmen look down on both the kikes and the Armenians who reside in France. And that sand-nigger simon apkarian (who played manoushian) needs to stop associating himself with Armenians, him and that singer who sings "La Yiddishe Mama" aznavour are a disgrace.

    ReplyDelete
  99. SvediatsiNovember 14, 2013 at 5:38 AM

    And this is Britain:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psZBaJU_Cvo#t=215

    ReplyDelete
  100. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    Arevordi,

    I remember you saying something about Egypt geting closer to Russia. Did you see this article from today http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-russia-too-important-us-substitute-092421382.html

    Longtime reader

    ReplyDelete
  101. AJNovember 14, 2013 at 8:14 PM

    third intifada warning from the incestuous John Kerry

    http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/11/13/kerry-third-intifada-warning-sends-us-diplomat-into-damage-control-mode/


    I find the following debate very interesting with 85% of the audience agreeing that Israel is destroying itself with the settlement policy

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rk60vNUJ9Y

    ReplyDelete
  102. AnonymousNovember 15, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    Marxism,trotskyms reigns in Europe.. The resistance is officially venerated by the French system. France had never had any other form of government save from the left. Even the Gaullist faction, pseudo French nationalists ,were harnessed to the left chariots. It is in line with their ideology and philosophy to build a history of their own. No surprise than seeing the myth creation around a scabious dog like manoshian as a historical personage cum hero of the reds, leftists, Marxists. Ethnomasochism is the official policy of the jewified EU . The current social and political policies of population replacement fit into this thinking mould. The population replacement takes place through the massive, unrelenting flow of the population excess of Africa, Asia, the third world into the heartland and core of the European land mass. This development does not favor ethnic Armenia since the ultimate goal pursued by such policies and practices is the obliteration of ethnicity and the nation state. Armenia can not influence policies at the international level, but they certainly can take prophylactic measures against racial genocide through institutionalized race destruction policies.

    ReplyDelete
  103. AnonymousNovember 15, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    http://asbarez.com/116175/armenian-parliament-refuses-karabakh-recognition-bill/comment-page-1/#comment-6552478

    The first comment on this article makes a great point. zaruhi bozstanjian and her fellow miscreants demonstrate that they are the lowest, most selfish human filth in Armenia. They try to use "official" Artsakh recognition as a political tool to stir up support among their followers. They don't give a damn that their political games are more or less goading the barbaric azeris to order their snipers to take a few more shots at Armenian servicemen. It is obvious that the lives of Armenian soldiers mean nothing to these opposition freaks so long as they can score a fleeting political advantage in stirring up public sentiment for another 15 minutes in Yerevan.

    ReplyDelete
  104. AnonymousNovember 15, 2013 at 2:54 PM

    Aznavour is a professional actor. In a France surrounded by omnipotent jews, who dominate the platform of culture and arts; what else could he do ? He will sing yidishe mama over and over again. Also, remember that haunting melody of the jerushalam song was written by none other than Aznavour in the 60's. Ihave met Aznavour personally in the 70's. He is a great fellow and actor of course. He did not hesitate, in spite of parading his armenianness , to marry outside the race, with a swedish lady, and raise a nice family.

    ReplyDelete
  105. AnonymousNovember 15, 2013 at 3:03 PM

    Arevordi
    I am having problems finding out the time when Putin will arrive. the rest is not a problem. I have talked to people who are responsible to meet and move the motorcade and the word i get from them is that they may not know until last day. So i guess we can only organize something on the short notice the day he arrives. Or the other option is to go early morning and stand there possible all day long. That may not be suitable for everyone. I am still trying to get more info and will post if something comes up.
    As to other posts I read here, have you ever considered to make the blog in Armenian too. As much as i know your stated goal about this blog, Armenians here in Armenia need your blog even more. Most think of USA and EU as dream lands. and also they are very stubborn and narrow minded. hard to even have an intelligent conversation.

    ReplyDelete
  106. ArevordiNovember 15, 2013 at 6:41 PM

    TK,

    Thank you for keeping us informed. Please keep looking into this matter and please try to do something because I'm sure Paruyr Hayrikian's and Raffi Hovanissian's idiots will be out protesting when Putin arrives.

    With regards to this blog: I'm a Diasporan Armenian. Although my Armenian is good, it's not at a level where I can properly and accurately translate my work in this blog. I have looked into finding someone that would translate my commentaries into Armenian (as well as into Russian) but it has been difficult to find a fully qualified person (I need a translator who is also politically/ideologically with me). If my work is going to be translated, it has to be done right. I don't want poor translations. Moreover, I am not asking for favors. I would financially compensate such work. Therefore, if you have any suggestions please let me know.

    Anyway, your English/American is quite good. Are you an American-Armenian? Please tell me a few things about yourself. If you want to remain anonymous to the rest of the readers, I will not post your comments.

    PS: Due to the typical Armenian's ignorance, arrogance, materialism and individualism, it will be gargantuan task for an Armenian to convince another Armenian of anything. The knife has to reach the bone before Armenians wake up. Armenian have to have their noses rubbed in shit, before they realize what is going on around them. Armenians need an iron fist to keep them in order. Therefore, do not place much hope in convincing Armenians of anything by simply explaining things to them. They will treat you as a fool. "Democracy" is one of the most dangerous threats facing Armenia today. Armenians like us need to by-pass our problematic sheeple and simply do what we think is right for the homeland. In the big picture, we can't be concerned about the Armenian (the typical Armenian will always have problems and complaints and they are never wrong), we need to be concerned about - Armenia. Therefore, I think a better strategy will be to find like minded-individuals and organize a sociopolitical movement. It can start in the internet as first, like what I am doing here. Armenians like us need to somehow become a serious factor in Armenia's political dialogue. Our political platform has to crush all others in the country. Armenians like us need to counter the information war being waged against Armenia by Washington's many operatives in the country. Our number one enemy today is Western Globalism and all its tools currently operating in Armenia. But it is not the only enemy. Once we can eliminate this threat we can then turn our attention to the our country's gluttonous chobans. As I have said, the current government is merely the lesser of evils in Armenia. Once we are successful in keeping Armenia fully within the Russian orbit - we then need to convince Russia's security services of the importance of helping us eliminate some of Armenia's unsavory businessmen. Armenians must be made to fear law enforcement bodies and law enforcement bodies need to enforce the law. After we cleanse Armenia of is Western operatives, we need to cleanse Armenia's government of its 1990's era chobans-in-Armani-suits.

    ReplyDelete
  107. SvediatsiNovember 15, 2013 at 6:53 PM

    Updates on the Syrian Front:


    The Syrian Arab Army has started the recapture of Aleppo, but the last few days were the most significant achievements. The long-awaited liberation of Aleppo is finally on its way. The area around Aleppo Airport has been mostly liberated, and its reopening is expected soon.

    It's been a month now that there is a land route between Aleppo and Lebanon, under the surveillance of the Army (while previously when civilians wanted to go, they had to pass through militant territories). This route is due to the ongoing offensive by the Army. After months of stalemate, heavy fighting has restarted in different parts of Aleppo.

    Sadly we also had Armenian casualties the last few days (2-3 killed, 5 injured). However, those losses are due to recent mortars that fell on Armenian-inhabited quarters (Midan, Suleymaniyeh). Currently there is no direct fighting in that area. Luckily, the Armenian district was always under the control of the Government, but on the other hand acts as a border between the Army and the militants. In Damascus the most tragic thing happened, I'm sure you're all aware. 2 Armenian children lost their lives due to a mortar shell that hit the Armenian bus carrying them to school.

    Թող Աստուած իրենց հոգիները Լուսաւորէ եւ մեր Հայրենակիցներուն քաջութիւն տայ:


    The turkish factor is present, as always. Recently a ship was seized by the Greek Coast Guard, carrying infantry weaponry. It is said that this was done because of the involvement of Syrian and Russian intelligence, who had notified Greece while the ship was passing through heading towards Iskenderun(turkey). Among the crew members, the captain and 2 others are turkish.

    Informative videos:
    http://www.syrianews.cc/details-liberating-brigade-80-securing-aleppo-international-airport-saa-operation/

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv3VMVExfAI

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DdDSbmaSqg&feature=c4-overview&list=UUx6Uyh_iiqER337f0FPlmtQ

    ReplyDelete
  108. AnonymousNovember 15, 2013 at 10:04 PM

    Arevordi
    there has been two reports lately that turks have intercepted russian reconnaissance flights along black sea border line. this is news, i have been following and don't remember such actions for last 5 years. right after that the 102 russian base made a statement about artsakh. 3 months ago there has been firing from Nachijevan direction, where we all know turks control the situation.
    It maybe a pressure, but there are signs that turkey wants to act under the smily face of davitoghlu.
    I get info that 400S along with Iskandars are to be deployed. Not counting the helicopter squadron. so things are getting hot, and it is to our advantage.
    i think they want to corner aliev soon to accept what is right or else.
    One thing is sure russia is serious and armenia is becoming a regional military power that no one can mess with. and we should all be happy and cherish this.

    ReplyDelete
  109. AJNovember 16, 2013 at 2:11 AM

    This is how it is in Greece

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf7YuaN4ifA

    ReplyDelete
  110. AnonymousNovember 16, 2013 at 8:19 PM

    Armenia needs to become an armed fortress. Anyone thinking of meesin up with her must be made to realize of the futility and far reaching consequences of such folly. Further more there is no space in Armenia with liberal experiments, democratic, non existing democratic liberal debauchery. Our only concern should be the ultimate safeguarding of our borders, expansion , and turn Armenia into a state of steel and armor. As far as Azerbaijan is concerned sooner or later they will launch an aggressive attack, the response has to be ready to repel the attack and drive deep to neutralize their military assets. Anyone thinking of turning Armenia into a liberal den of decadent democrats, carbon copies of the EU or USA, should be defenestrated from political life. We have no time to lose. They, the forces of liberal nihilists, can transmogrified a nation like Armenia into a liberal monstrosity , just like they are doing with Greece. Greece is being systematically deracinated, a government of occupation is in place, it has been in charge since the day when pseudo democracy was instaurated in 1974, policies of demographic catastrophe following EU general ideology of anti nation, anti religion, anti identity are implemented with an iron fist, flooding the country with millions of illegal migration, invasion, of Afro Asian hordes, allowing the entry of millions of illegal Muslims into the land, building mosques, in other words turning the place into a racial cataclysm where the survival of the Greek is questioned in the near future. Greece should be a lesson, a model of nation collapse to be copied throughout the EU. And Armenia seeks close cooperation with these mephistophelian culture, racial , nation destroyers ?

    ReplyDelete
  111. AnonymousNovember 17, 2013 at 4:13 AM

    Between A.J.'s, Anonymous' and Svediatsi 's eye-opening videos and comments, it becomes clear to me that among all of the EU supporting sheeple in Armenia, only a very tiny faction would want to see Armenia turn into a multiracial theme park, or more literally the world's toilet where all unwanted waste is excreted, as is the case in EU satrapies like Greece, France and Britain. And this leads to T.K.'s important observation:

    "Most think of USA and EU as dream lands."

    Maybe advanced concepts - like the advantages of National Socialism; the jewish roots of the bolsheviks who gave away a large percentage of Armenia's lands to ankara in 1920; the fact that color revolutions and Arab springs are the result of US clandestine operations and financing; or the idea that geopolitics and nato hegemony over the former USSR motivating western meddling in Armenia - may be too complex to understand for the average Armenian who protests on the streets or who claims to support closer ties with the EU. But there is tangible, flagrant evidence of how destructive the EU has been for the nations it occupies, and I want to see Armenian media and special interest groups start shoving footage like what has been posted here into the Armenian publics face. There is probably a very severe lack of widespread dissemination of this news in Armenia, which is a shame because it could be a very valuable tool in the hands of the government and the pro-Customs Union segment of society. I know Armenian news networks generally don't cover immigration nightmares of other countries, but I think they should start taking such proactive steps and maybe spread doom-and-gloomy about the truly doomed provinces/outposts of the EU. Even if it is not a direct case for supporting Armenia's ascension to the Custom's Union, it supports the CU indirectly by destroying the carefully crafted, artificial image its rival the EU.

    I really hope the Armenian and/or Russian governments also look into paying a handful of poor/unemployed Armenian youth to work on spreading this message through social networks and online forums as well. It might well be worth the relatively low cost if it can help spread information and sway Armenian public opinion. And now is the optimal time between the EU's financial and demographic problems as well as the west's main tool in Armenia, the Hemorrhoid Party, being led by an incompetent clown like Zaruhi "Orospu" Bozstanjian.

    Ps Arevordi it is too bad you won't come to Los Angeles, you would have a relatively easy time in North Hollywood or Glendale finding capable Armenian and Russian speakers who can translate your blog and who could use the extra income.

    ReplyDelete
  112. SvediatsiNovember 17, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    @Sarikis86

    "I know Armenian news networks generally don't cover immigration nightmares of other countries, but I think they should start taking such proactive steps and maybe spread doom-and-gloomy about the truly doomed provinces/outposts of the EU".

    That is a VERY GOOD point you make. And the sad part is that quite the opposite is taking place.

    On H1 Channel (arajin aliq) there was a show called օտար ամայի ճամբեքի վրայ (otar amayi champeki vra) now also known as մերոնք (meronq), which explores the different Armenian Diasporan communities.

    On Shant TV there is a show called "Armenians of the World" (Աշխարհի Հայերը), where the host Artyom Yerkanyan (who by the way seems like a genuine patriot)interviews Armenians who have become successful in their careers and are on high levels in different parts of the world (mainly Russia, EU, USA).

    While these two programs are done in order to show something good, they indirectly affect the way the Armenians of Armenia think about outside. in H1 and Shant TV they see active, vibrant communities, and successful people(MONEY!), therefore they start thinking that if they leave Armenia, they are going to live a prosperous lifestyle and, in their minds, become millionaires someday. And the sad part as you said is that next to that, Armenian media does not show the other side of the Diaspora, where family and national values are being ignored/neglected/mocked upon, where there are also MANY poor people in the Diaspora (most notably Hayastantsis who have settled in EU and USA since Independence).Sadly, however, only the few who have succeeded are being shown on Armenian TV.

    I believe this is a very important subject that the authorities should take into consideration. Their main weakness is lack of PR and effective propaganda.

    Combine this with the non-stop negativity spread against Armenia by the opposition media + most of the diasporan media = more Armenians willing to spit on their homeland and leave.

    ReplyDelete
  113. JerrikoNovember 18, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    Arevordi, are you sure it's OK to actually let us refer to your work when it comes to cyber-activism? I know someone on Facebook who is very active in his work, and he mostly talks about the dangers of Zionism, and of course he has a FB page called "Ban American Presence in the Philippines".

    ReplyDelete
  114. ArevordiNovember 18, 2013 at 2:41 AM

    Jerriko,

    I'm glad you are here. In the wake of the terrible typhoon that hit your homeland I wanted to express my condolences but was not sure if you were reading this blog. I feel very bad about what your people are going through. I hope you did not have family in the affected areas.

    PS: As long as the spirit of my work is not altered, I don't have any problems with activists using any of what I write.

    ReplyDelete
  115. AnonymousNovember 18, 2013 at 5:07 AM

    Syrian outcome scenario

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6Rqp0GOWqQ

    ReplyDelete
  116. JerrikoNovember 18, 2013 at 6:23 AM

    Thank you for your kind words, Arevordi. I do have some good news though: Armenian citizens were not affected by Typhoon Haiyan, though I don't know where they live.

    Here is the link: http://news.am/eng/news/180392.html

    My family lives in Luzon, and the typhoon has struck Visayas.

    ReplyDelete
  117. AnonymousNovember 18, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    One thing we need to be cognizant of is that this blog is one of the finest blog, if not the finest, amongst all and any other blogs. The deep analysis , the penetrating insights, the eclectic reporting, the intelectual basis, conclusions, are worthy of being used by any govermental ministry promoting and abdicating the nationalist ideology.
    The problem ( not our problem) is that the views and opinions are outside the mainstream of libero-marxist-democracy worshipping , holocaust venerating , multicuturalist, zionized media, print ,and organs of social, educational and political communication. As such these views and commentaries can not find a space in the mainstream media Since 1945 Nationalism, its ideas, its soul, its biological essence has been execrated, degraded , abused and discredited in favor of internationalism. In europe one can be jailed for expressing nationalist sentiments. Almost every country in europe has been bludgeoned, stunned and numbed by legalistic ambushes such as laws against racism and antisemitism, hate speech, and a battery of bylaws condemning nationalism whilst simultaneously exalting and rapshodysing threadbare democracy, multiracialism, open borders, evisceration of family values, drug culture, and other ills of modern living. Coming to Armenia, it can not escape the torrents and rapids in which it finds herself , but it can retain her composure and national integrity in an international cesspool of corruption and debauchery. there is a great deal of criticism and adroit attacks against our country. The diaspora served us well during the soviet era; but now it might have outlived its usefulness. The diaspora can not be faulted, per se. Millions of Armenians have been born and bred up with a steadfast diet of indoctrination in the pseudo values, corrupted ,ideological miasma of the so called west. The diaspora can not express any other sentiments than those it has soaked and internalized for decades, which is antiracism, antinationalism, ethnic masochism and self hate for her own culture, history, traditions, christian values and our past. So we have typical diasporans coming to Armenia and instead of being overawed and inspired, they react with pavlovian characteristics by criticizing and damning everything they see becuase it falls short of their manufactured western standards. Hence we get an anomaly that the diasporan imagines he has all the nostrums and magic phials for Armenia's imaginary or alleged ills. The diasporans ought understand that if they want to contribute they must first divest themselves from the western baggage and their ideological indoctrination. One time ago I heard a talk at the Washington institution, the audience was full of westernized robots, automatons, one track minded idealists, day dreamers, and hectoring them was none other than the transplant Raffi. Raffi was hurling thunderbolts at the Armenian government, open incitement at " change", accusations of the government " stole the election", and that the time is nearing for the " Halo" revolution. in the final peroration he exhorted the audience members to " return to Armenia" and bring about change, democratic change. However this Raffi did not spell out what these changes mean or are; however the audience thought his talk was inspirational. These diasporans are dangerous, they are the spearhead and proxies of the multicultural, internationalist western jewified vermin which intends to propagate itself in Armenia, and everywhere else. The best way the diaspora can contribute to Armenia is by pouring their wealth, but not their adopted and plagiarized ideologies and baleful mercenary influences.

    ReplyDelete
  118. ArevordiNovember 18, 2013 at 6:17 PM

    Dear Anonymous (November 18, 2013 at 5:39 AM)

    I would like to ask you to please extend the points on your powerful and penetrating commentary and produce a free-standing article for me to use in this blog. If there is anything private you would like to convey to me please write it here and I will not post it.

    ReplyDelete
  119. AJNovember 18, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    @Jerriko Magpantay

    I extend my sincere condolences to your compatriots in the Philippines.

    I find it remarkable that Israel sent a team of over 200 IDF members.
    While it is praiseworthy that they have mobilized the IDF for help during such a disaster, but it is worth keeping an eye over their activities.

    Geo-politically, The Philippine plays a key role as an ally for the the US Asia-Pacific pivot strategy. This entails the withdrawal of US troops and vessels from the Middle East-Mediterranean region to the Pacific area to contain China's growth.
    More on US strategy here:
    http://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-disaster-relief-mission-philippines-213516268.html

    This tectonic shift in US policy puts Israel in a very vulnerable situation.
    Add to this the perceivable distancing between US administration and the Israeli government (AIPAC failure to draw the US into a war with Syria, Kerry talking about 3rd intifada and asking senators not to listen to Israel)
    http://frontpagemag.com/2013/dgreenfield/kerry-to-senators-on-iran-stop-listening-to-the-israelis/

    Considering the link between the Zionist-Mossad agencies and terrorist organizations, I am worried that over the next few months (years), we might witness an intensification of rebel/terror activity as an attempt to undermine US policy on the Asia-Pacific and redirect it to focus on the Middle East, stripping away from the US army a secure base for their naval fleet in the Philippine.

    In addition, Israeli media is exploiting this tragedy for petty PR purposes, primarily, to whitewash the IDF image which is now associated with occupation and criminality.
    http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.558225

    Moreover, such a gesture perhaps comes at a tangible price, for Israel can now pressure the Philippine government to extend the service of 300+ UN Philippino troops in the Golan Heights, whose lives were already put in danger, having been kidnapped some months ago by terrorists, the Austrians have pulled out their troops.
    So the equation is, we helped you, now you help us, and perhaps next time vote on our side at the UN circus.

    The incident at the UN
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CflHEGP-GjM

    look at the voting panel, Israel has never been so cornered and isolated.

    ReplyDelete
  120. AJNovember 18, 2013 at 7:56 PM

    To continue exposing the Israeli dirty PR tricks, check this out

    "Israel quietly treats Syria war victims"
    http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/97d3ee40-451d-11e3-b98b-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2l0LWb1Ri

    Do a google search on this and you will find that they don't treat the Syrians so "quietly", but quite the opposite, they trumpet their activities as loud as possible. Hypocritical though, unleashing terrorists on Syrian civilians and then offering them help. Meanwhile Gaza remains the world's largest prison camp, no help there, they deserve to starve.

    ReplyDelete
  121. AnonymousNovember 19, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    (Part 1 of 2)

    http://asbarez.com/116302/what-threatens-armenia%E2%80%99s-national-security/

    Point-by-point rebuttal to the asshole author:

    "Shunning joining the EU" - This is deceitful and attempts to falsely blame Armenia and Russia for the EU's refusal to build closer relations to Armenia unless Armenia gives up a very large part of Armenian sovereignty to the EU. The Customs Union is an economic union, while the EU is a 50% economic and 50% socio-political union which is anti-Nationalist in nature and which promotes third-world immigration, debt slavery to the Euro Central Bank-IMF-World Bank-US Federal Reserve System cartel, race-mixing, multiculturalism, atheism, homosexuality, abortions, and general socio-cultural and spiritual decay. It's no coincidence that every EU country is headed towards having a turkish or Islamic majority.

    "Russia is not 'eager' to help Armenia" - If Russia is not eager, the US-EU-turkey-NATO alliance is categorically against. The west could have recognized Artsakh along with Kosovo, instead the west made ridiculous claims that "they are different situations", while turkey directly arms and trains azerbaijan as the article concedes. Meanwhile Russia provides bankrupt and blockaded Armenia with free weapons like S300s, upgrades T-72 tanks, SMERCH and TORNADO artillery systems and other weapons which Armenia could never produce or acquire on its own, and without which azerbaijan would overrun Armenia on the ground and blast it to bits from the air. A more correct statement would be "Russia (and Armenia) do not want to explicitly make threats against azerbaijan because these two countries know how diplomacy is conducted and how to extract the maximum geopolitical benefit from positions of ambiguity." In any case, NO RUSSIAN COMMANDER WOULD EVER issue a threat against a third country unless authorized to do so from Moscow. Here the audience should remember the importance of reading between the lines.

    "Russian Trojan Horse" - Russia gives Armenia natural gas at domestic rates Russian customers pay, as well as gives Armenia the technical know-how to operate its 1970s era nuclear plant in a remarkably safe and sustainable manner. It would be ridiculous, at best, to claim that anyone else would invest in the infrastructure of a small market and economically poor state like Armenia. Armenia also benefits from Russian investments in its roads, railways, air transport, telecommunications, very profitable aluminum smelting, mining, agriculture, automobile, and contruction industries, as well as R&D centers and universities. Did you know that Armenia had ZERO military transport planes until "evil and controlling" Russia granted three brand new IL-76s to Armenia for free? And those Russian-donated military cargo airplanes have been making very frequent trips, from Armenian military bases, over Georgia, and into Russian military bases in the North Caucasus. It is an open secret that they return to Armenia full of top of the line Russian weapons.... The "trojan horse" myth, once exposed to facts, begins to small like horse...

    ReplyDelete
  122. AnonymousNovember 19, 2013 at 8:56 AM

    (Part 2 of 2)

    "West has not been able to force turkey to lift its blockade". A pathetic, apologist lie on behalf of the west. The west wants to keep Armenia "poor and isolated", to quote George Friedman, until conditions are bad enough that western-funded groups can instigated a "color revolution" or Arab Spring scenario in Yerevan. If the west wanted to, it could force turkey to do anything. If the west can arm and train terrorists in Syria, tear apart nations like Iraq and Libya, and essentially unilaterally occupy large parts of Central and South America as well as Africa, then it is silly to think a paper tiger like turkey can stand up to the US. Let's not forget when it served American interests in Iraq, the west had to qualms about arresting turkish soldiers and displaying them in the press handcuffed and hooded.

    "Armenians are losing the will to fight" - Well what do you expect when so-called opposition and opposition media only spread doom-and-gloom hysteria about Armenia, as if the sky was falling. Armenia may not be Switzerland, but given the circumstances and compared with the rest of the world, it is a middle of the road country with a bright future. Reading foreign-funded English language news websites you'd think Armenia is worse off than Zimbabwe, Iraq or Afghanistan. If Armenians want to flee Armenia, or they refuse to have children, we have no one but ourselves to blame - not our government or our leadership but us as individuals for not taking full advantage of independence.

    "The Diaspora" - There is no future in diaspora, we are not the Jews and we tend to assimilate quickly. Look to Watertown, Fresno, Poland, Bulgaria or India for precedent of how the diaspora is largely a graveyard for Armenianness. Non-citizens have absolutely rights to dictate policy to another country, even if that country is the one they claim as a homeland. If the Diaspora wants to improve Armenia, let Diasporans invest in Armenia (instead of leaving their billions to the UCLA fund or some other diversion), or let them move their and take part in developing Armenia's society and culture. Arrogantly dictating unilateral policy changes for Armenia without being exposed to any of the consequences of those policies (ie ordering Armenia distance itself from Russia from the comfort of an armchair in Los Angeles) is a ridiculous proposition.

    "The Army" - One thing we can agree on. Armenia's Army deserves all the praise it receives. It is still important to keep in mind that without free Russian weapons and training Armenia's noble soldiers would not be able to hold out against azerbaijan for an extended war, while on our own we are simply too small to resist a turkish invasion. Ps for the past three years there has been a campaign to denigrate the image of the Armenian Army by spreading hysteria over every tragic non-combat fatality. Of course any fatality is a tragedy that needs to be addressed, but even at its highest point Armenia suffered a fraction of similar incidents in exponentially better-funded armies (like the US Army for example)

    ****
    ****

    Let's beat them at their own game, on their own forum, in their weaponized language of choice. Let's give this defeatist article and its clown author an avalanche of righteous responses. Asbarez does not require an account to comment, you even click the link while your browser is in Private Browsing (Firefox), Incognito (Chrome), InPrivate Browsing (Internet Explorer) and leave a comment and it will leave no trace on your computer. We can be sure that some of the braindead sheeple and agent provocateurs will be posting "pro-democracy, death to Armenia's government" responses as well

    ReplyDelete
  123. AnonymousNovember 19, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    @Jerriko Magpantay:

    I'm sorry about what happened to the Philippines. These natural disasters are so devastating to the people who are affected by them. I hope the Philippines rebuilds quickly and the people get back on track.

    I'm glad to hear your family were not among the victims!

    ReplyDelete
  124. ArevordiNovember 20, 2013 at 2:39 AM

    To all interested readers,

    The intent of this blog (as well as the emails I send out to various people and the commentaries I leave on various English language propaganda outlets) is to combat the persistent propaganda assaults against Armenia and her strategic ally Russia by Western propaganda outlets and Armenian lackeys that work for them.

    My intent is to expose anglophone readers (we unfortunately have more anglophone Armenians around the world than we have Armenian speaking Armenians) to information and political analysis/reasoning that they would not be normally exposed to in western society. My intent is to reveal to my reader that the Western world or better yet nations that are under the boot of the Western world are not in good shape; that the political West poses a serious threat to developing nations around the world; that the western world's lure is based on hype. More importantly, the intent of this blog is to convey the message that Armenia's number one priority needs to be the deepening of Armenia's strategic relations with Russia; Yerevan's number one priority has to be to turn Armenia's national interests into an extension of Russia's foreign policy. In other words, I want to awaken the desire within Armenians to tap into the potential of the Russian Federation and derive positive results for the Armenian homeland.

    In this mission, we unfortunately cannot expect our community representatives, heads of our traditional parties or editors of our so-called news outlets to do the right thing for they all answer to their egos, their mentors and/or their financiers - who generally speaking tow a Western line. Therefore, if we want to get things done, we have to start doing it ourselves - like what I have been actively doing for the past five years. If I can do it, so can you. Instead of bitching and complaining about this or that - get pissed off and get active.

    Setup a blog. Set up a facebook page. At the very least, setup an email account to do mass mailings of pertinent sociopolitical topics on a regular basis. Monitor Western-leaning Armenian news sites such as Asbarez, Armenian Weekly, ArmeniaNow, Lragir, Hetq, etc. Leave comments to articles or news reports that are being spun by a Western agenda. Recognize the power of social media and the internet that is on your finger tips - because our enemies have and they have been using it with devastating effect in recent years. Armenians are fleeing Armenia in large part due to a poisonous atmosphere created by the constant doom-and-gloom of the "political opposition" and their handlers in the West.

    If you want to change things for the better, stop complaining and get involved. Get politically active.

    Like I said, if I can do it so can you.

    (part 1 or 2)

    ReplyDelete
  125. ArevordiNovember 20, 2013 at 2:41 AM

    (Part 2 of 2)

    Think of this blog and the emails you receive from me as a base, a foundation upon which you can build on. I want you to PLAGIARIZE my work (but please don't alter its main points/purpose/intention). Therefore, feel free to go back and pick out relevant blog posts such as:

    Media Blitz Against Armenia

    Panel Discussion Calling for Chaos in Armenia

    Armenians again reveling in destructive behavior

    Collective Destructionism of Armenians

    Why Armenians want out of Armenia, a critical look at Armenians

    Armenians Want to Know, is Russia a Friend or Fore?

    Use these blog entries as a go-to database for your cyber activism. Set up an email address for your activism and begin sending out your materials to politically aware friends and relatives, prominent individuals, student clubs, churches, news papers, organizations.

    You will be rejected at times, but you will also be able to recruit people - like I more-or-less have been able to here.

    Again, don't expect others to fight your fight. If you think this is an important fight - and it certainly is for this is Armenia's fight - than act like true nationalists and become a cyber-warrior. Cyber-based political activism and the dissemination of propaganda is a major tool that Western powers and the Zionist state utilizes.

    For now, my intention is to create a similar cyber-based grassroots activism with individuals that adhere to the kind of political analysis expressed in this blog. I want to set up various cells of independently operating cyber-warrior units that monitor the flow of information pertaining to Armenia. Once this is realized, it can be taken to the next level by recruiting relevant talents from the in-house pool of activists and perhaps one day even setup a serious think tank.

    ReplyDelete
  126. Նոր ԱյրNovember 20, 2013 at 11:31 AM

    Harut Sassounian is the only respectable writer at Asbarez. Take a look at his latest article, for example.

    "Playing Partisan Politics with Artsakh Damages Armenian Interests"
    http://asbarez.com/116374/playing-partisan-politics-with-artsakh-damages-armenian-interests/

    What's interesting is that Asbarez only posted the "Armenian Parliament Refuses Karabakh Recognition Bill" article on Facebook and not this one.

    ReplyDelete
  127. AnonymousNovember 20, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  128. AJNovember 20, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    For diaspora Armenians seriously intending to live in Armenia.
    Forget about your own career based lifestyles, you have better opportunities in the West compared to Armenia. So don't search for "jobs" cause it is fruitless path. Local Armenian youths are highly skilled and willing to fill in job positions for 500-600 USD. If we now go and grab their jobs, they will be pissed, and we won't be happy because of the little income.
    Working a white collar job in Armenia is not an option unless you are working for an NGO, but even the NGO stooges are lowly paid.

    Use your time outside Armenia to collect minimum capital and implement the following workable plan in my opinion
    Needed capital 100,000 USD is enough to:

    Buy a few acres of agricultural land in the vicinity of Yerevan: 15,000 USD
    House construction: 60,000 USD
    15 pregnant Cows: 15,000 USD
    Building a stable and equipment: 10,000 USD
    Transport vehicle: 5,000 USD

    Grow trees for heating, grow vegetables and orchards for self sustenance, read about living off-the-grid for maximum self dependency.

    Each cow brings a net income of 1,000 USD a year
    15 cows means 1,250 USD per month, that's a decent amount of money to live on in Armenia. Milk or dairy products are sold very easily and there is a constant demand on it.

    Implement such plans preferably with friends, family or partners.

    If anyone wants to be my neighbor, drops me a message :D my time frame is to be permanently in Armenia in 2015.

    ReplyDelete
  129. AJNovember 20, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    Impressive, they have hit a record low level in reporting news, they must be really desperate, not easy to loose one's job. Some highlights of quality press.

    "Armenians hate Russians more and more, which is not something new but is acquiring a radical content."

    "The Russian propaganda is a mixture of dirt, deception, shamelessness and claims against truth.
    In Armenia this was accepted successfully but by who? A handful of SCUM who will still be attended to."

    "Dmitry Medvedev visited Yerevan a few days after the announcement on supply of S300 missiles to Azerbaijan. In addition, the government brought together tens of thousands of people on the square where prostitutes and homosexuals usually strut."

    I didn't get the homo and prostitute statement, what is meant by that? by globalese is very bad.


    http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/31352

    ReplyDelete
  130. ArevordiNovember 20, 2013 at 10:15 PM

    AJ,

    Allow me to help you with globalese: The square that the author of the Lra-glir article talks about is the hraparak in front of Yerevan's city hall, which is also adjacent to the Russian embassy there. Adjacent to the square is also a large, wooded park known as "mankakan aygi" or "gom aygi". At nights, Armenia's homosexual prostitutes and transvestites congregate there to solicit. There has been some limited efforts by the authorities to curb this situation due to growing public complaints, but the problem seems to be persisting. See how "western" Armenia is?

    PS: Expect to see political opposition freaks in the country get more and more desperate as President Putin's visit gets nearer and nearer...

    ReplyDelete
  131. AJNovember 21, 2013 at 12:02 AM

    Lra-glir! Epic

    back to serious business, I will am writing a commentary regarding the ongoing Iran talks, Syrian developments and the impact on the region.

    In you next commentary depending on the theme I would be glad if you insert mine. Maybe will release some pressure for you to come up with a new release and we can cover mid-east developments.

    will send it to you in the next couple of days. very hot season if you know what I mean

    ReplyDelete
  132. AnonymousNovember 21, 2013 at 1:48 AM

    @AJ,

    The smaller, Armenian-language opposition papers like lragir and aravot make the most ridiculous claims. I finally decided to stop paying any attention to them when during the LTP revolution attempt during 2008 one of them claimed something along the lines of "Armenia's government plans to send troublemakers pretending to be pro-LTP protesters in order to stir up trouble and give the police an excuse to break up the protests... for this purpose they have imported many Crimean Tatars to Armenia because they look like Armenians(!!!) and can infiltrate the crowds and act as provocateurs". They have ZERO credibility, you get better quality journalism out of the National Enquirer.

    ReplyDelete
  133. JerrikoNovember 21, 2013 at 1:58 AM

    AJ:

    Yes, the Philippines is definitely screwed now that Israel decides to help us in return for conditions with strings attached. If Israel has its way with screwing around the Asia-Pacific region, it would only encourage China to make its claims on the Spratlys louder, and we might even end up suffering the same fate as Armenia once did: the end of the Philippines as a nation-state itself, assuming that China would not stop with the Spratlys, but to conquer our lands. We have a very weak military and our government is so corrupt it makes people like Hovannisian look amateurs. At least Armenian politicians don't have slush funds worth millions like Filipino politicians have.

    Arevordi:

    From an Armenian perspective, what kind of fate would be better for the Asia-Pacific region?

    ReplyDelete
  134. ArevordiNovember 21, 2013 at 3:32 AM

    Jerriko,

    If your leaders cannot act independent and diligently work to strike a long-term deal with a rising giant like China, then your nation is doomed to remain a playground for Anglo-American world.

    Your region is a region that has five essential players: Anglo-Americans, Japan, Russia, China and India. [Russia and India are lesser factors in the south Pacific, but they do have a presence] Your leaders should figure out a way to stop bending-over to the Anglo-American players in the region (which is pissing off China) and begin figuring out a way of dealing with the other players, especially China. And why not Russia?

    But your nation's leader will sooner die in a car accident or suffer an "anti-corruption" uprising by the people before they are able to implement what I suggested.

    The typhoon is even more tragic in that your nation is now even more dependent on those that have turned large portions of it into a brothel.

    I don't know how interested the Armenian government is in Asia-Pacific arena, but from my perspective, anything that weakens the Anglo-American-Zionist global order is fine with me. Therefore, I would like to see China grow in strength in the region. And I woudl like to see nations like the Philippines come to terms with China.

    ReplyDelete
  135. ArevordiNovember 21, 2013 at 3:38 AM

    AJ,

    I'd be more than happy to feature a political analysis/commentary by you my friend. But in due time. Please have patience. My next blog commentary will be about Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to Armenia.

    In the meanwhile, refine your work, keep it updated and collect supporting articles (relevant articles I can feature below your work).

    Are you on my e-mailing list? If not post your address here, I won't show it publicly.

    ReplyDelete
  136. SvediatsiNovember 21, 2013 at 6:49 AM

    @T.K.

    I hope you managed to organize a welcoming for Putin, their haters are actively working. They just opened this facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ArmeniaVsPutin . What I suggest is you create a facebook event and make it spread as much as possible in order to counter the anti-Putiners and gather many partisans. If you succeed in doing such a thing it already is a big step in counter the one-sided "civic activism" taking place in Yerevan

    ReplyDelete
  137. JerrikoNovember 21, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    When it comes to political incompetence, I'm afraid my country even outdoes Armenia in that department. As for the Asia-Pacific region, there are actually only four if Japan is actually within the Anglo-American orbit, though if they were outside said orbit, then it would be five. China has a huge interest in the Philippines mainly because we also host a large Chinese diaspora in the country (though the local Chinese here are loyal to the government in Manila, and not to either Taipei or Beijing). India, we have an excellent relationship with them since they pretty much gave us some of their cultures in terms of influence. Russia however, is a wildcard. Why I said that Russia is a wildcard, is because they don't have any closer relations with us other than whenever the next APEC summit comes up. Besides that, our leaders still have a Cold War mentality, and combined with a feudalist mindset in the entire nation where land reform = communism, not only have we become the most politically correct nation, but the political elite would rather join with their American masters to the US than to see Russia exert some influence in the Philippines.

    That being said, it will definitely take more than just a revolution for us to actually give our corrupt politicians the boot. It's extremely tragic indeed that the Philippines has become a gigantic cheap brothel, and I'm not sure if there are shady characters who take advantage of such disasters, kinda like that earthquake that occured in Armenia back in 1988.

    Now getting back to the topic at hand with regards to Armenia and the Caucasus, I came across a facebook post made by a Georgian schoolmate of mine who's actually a Saakashvili supporter and she is a bit concerned about Washington's waning influence in the South Caucasus, I'm guessing that this is becoming a good sign for Armenia because I am not sure how will new Georgian President Margvelashvili will deal with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

    ReplyDelete
  138. AnonymousNovember 21, 2013 at 8:02 AM

    Aj. Interesting comments about plans to settle in Armenia. I have not lost my love for the land in spite of having been burnt once in a real estate scam. Have you got the addresses of genuine, reliable, trustworthy and reputable estate agents ? . In 2005 I bought an apartment, unseen, through an estate agent. Sadly the agency went insolvent, my title deeds were nowhere to be found, these things happen everywhere, that is why I need to be extra careful second time round. I wish to buy again, this time I want to see the property, and not purchase something blindfolded.

    ReplyDelete
  139. AnonymousNovember 21, 2013 at 9:44 AM

    Hi Jerriko,

    Glad to hear you and yours is safe. I hope your peoples recovery from such devastation is swift.
    Here's an article from Asia Times today regarding what you are talking about

    http://atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-02-201113.html

    It seems like Russia is flexing some geopolitical muscle in the South China Sea. Putin is brilliantly maneuvering his way into Vietnam by making military and business deals while potentially securing some rights for the Russian Navy in the region. Obviously China is the 90 pound gorilla in the region but Russia is in essence acting like a broker soothing out the difference between two tense neighbors - China and Vietnam and bringing them together while keeping an eye on things in the Pacific. Clearly the Russians chose Vietnam because there isn't such a largely ingrained US presence there such as in the Philippines or South Korea. Asia is indeed becoming more polarized and things don't look good.

    Arto2

    ReplyDelete
  140. AnonymousNovember 21, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    An attack on the Greek GD, the nationalist ethnicist movement, is an attack on all nationalist movements. The Greek parliament, filled with catamite whores disguised as MP's, is tabling the " antiracist Bill" at the instigation of the jewified Brussels parliament. The antiracist bill ( anti european -anti white bill) is directly aimed at neutering the nationalist, ethnicist movement. The bill provides the suspension of government funding to political parties who advocate and promote nationalist policies, the suspension of MP's from parliament and fines of EU 100000 and jail terms of 6 months for any anti-immigrant, racist, antisemitic, xenophobic, and holocaust doubters/denial expressions in public. In other words, there is no more freedom of expression, Greeks are now gagged, except to eulogize and sing hossanahs the light amongst the nation , the chosen race. In this manner the policy to be implemented, in line with the EU diktats, is to turn Greece into the own country to any and every invading hordes from the thirld world. This in a nutshell is what awaits nationalists in Europe, it is their death march. No matter what happens, and at what costs, Armenia must keep away as far as possible from the EUSSR and their panmixia policies of liquifying peoples and obliterating nations into an abstract mass of potash. This is criminal , scandalous, sacrilegious, it is plain and simple genocide.The marxists Greek MP's have now requested to FIFA to ban the sign of the cross in football fields by Greek referees. Greek referees have the habit to crossing themselves before the start of matches. We have another illustrious scumbag in the EU parliament, the Jew red hyena Cohen Bendit ( the rogue of the 68 student revolt in Paris ) has made an inspiring new suggestion to the EU in respect to bankrupt and starving Greece. Cohen Bandit recommendation is that Greece dismantle and disband her armed forces, and the EU budget apportioned for the armed forces be reditected to ameliorating the economic situation. As for protection of Greece' borders, Cohen Bandit proposes the EU as guarantor of her borders. This is the garbage one has to eat day in and day out being a member of that decrepit, obnoxious body called EU. The example of Greece is paradigmatic and should serve as a lesson for Armenia. Today Armenia is in a much more exhalted position and economically healthier note that a country like Greece. Greece , a democratic member of the scrofolous democratic EU, has been morphed from an homogenous homeland for Greeks into a democratic multicultural cesspool, in the mere space of 20 years. Armenia is fortunate that in spite of all our problems, our political landscape, with our corruption, our "oligarchs", our "traitors" does not approximate nor resemble , nor reaches the level of decrepitude,skulduggery and fraudelent corruption of their corrupt degenerate counterparts in the EU.

    ReplyDelete
  141. AJNovember 21, 2013 at 5:19 PM

    Jerriko:
    From an Armenian perspective I support US pivot to Asia-Pacific policy, for a simple reason, that it reduces US military presence in the vicinity of Armenia (mid-east, east mediter, persian gulf), giving more space for Russia to take lead in those regions. Noticed the Turkish and Israeli frequent pilgrimage to Moscow?
    Clearly Russia cannot fully replace the US vacuum, but in can tilt regional developments to its advantage.

    So I rather see US fleets (with all its extra baggage) 9000 km away from Armenia in the direction of Philippines
    or some other planet even better, perhaps also for Philippines and all the world

    I also keep repeating that Russia and China are in competitive positions (struggle over Central Asia, demographic stress) despite the overlap of interests at a global level.

    So I rather see China pre-occupied how to handle the US lineup along its shores, rather than seeing it implement aggressive policies in Eurasia.

    Arevordi:
    I am enthusiastically waiting for your new commentary on Putin's visit.
    I will take my time and do my best to write a piece for you to review, related to the upcoming Iranian deal, or no deal!? and its wider implications in particular for Armenia.

    ReplyDelete
  142. ArevordiNovember 21, 2013 at 6:16 PM

    Anonymous November 20, 2013 at 11:02 PM

    Please excuse me, but your comment makes me want to say something. It's not about you per se, it's about a irrational modern mindset that is so prevalent in Armenians today.

    What does being a victim of a scam have 'anything' to do with love for one's homeland?

    This is part of the the fundamental problem I always speak of. In discussions about Armenia, no sense in mentioning you getting had by misfortune or con men. Just be careful with your money anywhere you find yourself in the world.

    Keep your nationalism unconditional and unemotional.

    I have been called an axpar, an American. I have been back stabbed. More often than not the typical native there looks at me as a mobile ATM. I have probably lost/wasted/been swindled of more money in Armenia than anyone here could 'ever' imagine. I have written thousands of pages of commentaries about Armenia in recent years, can anyone show me one place where I talk about my personal loses?

    Armenia is a country like any other: It has whores, homos, transvestites, professional thieves, child pickpockets, mobsters, criminals and fake beggars. Because it has been economically depressed for well over a quarter-of-a-century, it may have more of the aforementioned than perhaps a place like Switzerland, a nation in the heart of Europe that has been living in peace and political stability for many hundreds of yeas.

    The important difference between a place like Switzerland and Armenia is that Armenia is ours whereas Switzerland is not.

    Good or bad, whether we live there or not, Armenia is ours to build/cultivate - patiently, rationally, responsibly and objectively.

    ReplyDelete
  143. AJNovember 21, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    Anonymous November 20, 2013 at 11:02 PM

    I did not buy my land through real estate. Once when I was in Armenia "OVIR" to get my citizenship, I met there a very honest young guy from Syria who moved to Armenia some years before the war. He is very IT literate and smart, so I told him if he doesn't mind doing a few things for me. I gave him also authority at the notary to buy on my behalf and do all form of paperwork since I am not in Yerevan when I make the decision to buy.
    We used skype for communication, he would take photographs from all angles of the land and surrounding, and gps co-ordinates. On top he would give me his opinion if the price is high or low.
    I must say it worked like a charm and two weeks ago I received all the paper documents, validated and authentic :D
    I offered to pay him 25$ an hour for his service although he would go for less. But anyway although I know sometimes he worked a couple of days on something, he tells me he spent only 3 hours, so it balanced out. He's a bit shy when it comes to money, typical for people working technical jobs. I assume he thinks 25 an hour is quite a rip off, considering that he makes 600 for a full month.

    My advice, work directly with the people, get to know them, and build trust. They are very smart, agile, fast and dynamic willing to work on anything that sounds like a good idea, but unfortunately many are very greedy and have rip off ideas lol
    It's better than working with real estate agents who aim to make a quick buck.
    For example real estates want to sell you and say good bye, you are a one time customer.
    They would show you only pictures from good angles, hide the negative points of the property, and they want to minimize effort and maximize profit.
    For that reason I don't like commission based property hunt, but rather effort based.

    Bottomline, I can connect you with him if you are interested. Just send your email to Arevordi. First he would look in newspapers for properties that fit your specifications, and will prioritize and visit selected ones and make an assessment then revert to you.

    I understand how it feels to be fooled, happened to me also, but it's ok. Consider this, in 1991, you have an entire nation, mentally trained with high level Soviet education, waking up one day, scientists and engineers don't have jobs, factories shutting down, students have nowhere to go. Impoverished nation with hungry oligarchs ready to devour everything. What I Want to say, Armenians in Armenia did not have the easy lifestyles that we diasporans have. In fact, notice when Hayastancis leave elsewhere and improve there economic conditions, in general they are no longer greedy and are just like us (so it is in Europe to my knowledge).

    Diaspora also have to be blamed, when we go there we are looking down on the local villagers, cruising with luxury cars, and fancy pompous clothing.
    As Arevordi said, Armenia is ours, so we have the responsibility to bring our monies there. It's not charity. An excellent way to help the country is to BUY PROPERTY. Then we don't need to complain that Russia is buying Armenia!
    Ofcourse, the risk is that for an Armenian to sell his property means they are about to leave the country. But if you don't buy it, foreigners will do. So just do it and have a foot in Armenia
    PS: I am no real estate agent and I do not make any profit if you buy anything!
    Personally I feel so good now that I own a piece of land, even if it's empty and I have to sit in a tent when I'm there.

    ReplyDelete
  144. AnonymousNovember 21, 2013 at 10:20 PM

    @Svediatsi and @T.K.
    "What I suggest is you create a facebook event and make it spread as much as possible in order to counter the anti-Putiners and gather many partisans."

    We already have a facebook page that is pro-Putin in its orientation. Please support like and share links from there.

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/World-and-Armenia/229698963852400

    ReplyDelete
  145. AnonymousNovember 22, 2013 at 2:42 AM

    That is how traitors are born. It is a psychological sickness, not peculiar to a particular mindset. We have countless of examples where personal experiences change the attitude of individuals to a place , feelings and sentiments towards other individuals etc.

    ReplyDelete
  146. ArevordiNovember 22, 2013 at 3:04 AM

    Anonymous November 21, 2013 at 2:55 AM

    All of the EU's recent acquisitions, especially Greece, Bulgaria and Spain, are absolute disasters. Even older EU states are heading towards disaster. Yet, we Armenians have significant numbers of EUrotic idiots seeking European integration. If I am not mistaken, you have posted several very interesting comments in this blog recently. Are you Artur? Please identify yourself so we know who we are communicating with.

    AJ,

    I am 'very' happy for you, my friend. I agree with you. The most important thing for a Diasporan Armenian is to have a physical attachment, a physical connection to the homeland. It's a powerful feeling knowing that a little piece of the Armenian Highlands belongs to you. It's our responsibility to try to build, even if it's against all odds. I hope to meet you in Armenia one day.

    ReplyDelete
  147. ArevordiNovember 22, 2013 at 3:13 AM

    Breaking news: Ukraine most likely headed towards Customs Union: http://rt.com/business/ukraine-eu-deal-suspended-088/

    ReplyDelete
  148. AnonymousNovember 22, 2013 at 4:10 AM

    Arevordi,

    It looks that we have a new "last" laugh. The ZIOEU frantic push to swallow Ukraine (and create in the long run a safe heaven for the Jews who would leave Palestine) has been stemmed (so far at least). The "mission statement" of the WEST:"Who rules Central and Eastern Europe commands the Heartland. Who rules the Heartland commands the World-Island (Eurasia). Who rules the World-Island commands the World", has been again trashed.
    Let's hope that it is not the last laugh.
    RomAn

    ReplyDelete
  149. SvediatsiNovember 22, 2013 at 4:56 AM

    @Anonymous "November 21, 2013 at 1:20 PM"

    That is a great facebook page. It's exactly what we needed. I will inform my friends who are like-minded (and not-so like-minded) and hopefully we can grow it and make it reach to many people. The time is now, let us use their weapons against them.

    ReplyDelete
  150. AnonymousNovember 22, 2013 at 5:03 AM

    This article on Infowars really made me laugh. The west may try to label Armenia as "corrupt", but at least Armenians aren't fucking retarded.

    http://www.infowars.com/peanut-butter-and-jelly-sandwich-is-racist-says-portland-school-official/

    ****
    Anonymous @ November 21, 2013 at 2:55 AM

    That was really well-stated. I enjoy your well-articulated, and spot on, commentaries on the rise of social-marxism in the west. Here's another headline today which highlights the continued assault against masculinity in the EU:

    http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-11-20/eu-lawmakers-back-plans-for-40-percent-quota-for-women-on-boards

    ***

    AJ,

    Thanks for that information. I have been thinking about moving to Armenia one day, I believe dual citizenship would probably be the best first step for myself. Can you briefly share your experiences with applying for Armenian citizenship please?

    ReplyDelete
  151. SasounciDavitNovember 22, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    Ukraine made the smart move, I don't know enough details to in depth commentary, but I did read a bit about their previous PM currently in jail and she fits the bill for a classic EU backed whore.

    From what I gather, she milked the gas industry while it was ripe in Ukraine and they have even sought to indict her for murders related to monopolizing incoming gas market into Ukraine. Now it seems the nationalist have got her cornered in jail and of course the EU is lobbying to get her out and about so she can whore out her country again.

    ReplyDelete
  152. AnonymousNovember 27, 2013 at 6:42 PM

    Every time an Armenian raises the comment about oligarch, corruption and other inanities, I end up quarreling with these damn idiots. The dolls think that corruption and thieving is only a characteristic of Armenia. The discussion ends with the parting of the ways, and after all it is preferable to have corrupt armenians and be armenians, then having corrupt crypto Jews and others identifying themselves as pseudo armenians and rampaging through the state coffers and corrupting every level of Armenian social and political life.

    ReplyDelete
  153. AnonymousNovember 27, 2013 at 6:44 PM

    The Ukrainian pm in jail, we must not forget she is not a thoroughbred Ukrainian, she is a jewess.

    ReplyDelete

Dear reader,

New blog commentaries will henceforth be posted on an irregular basis. The comment board however will continue to be moderated on a regular basis. You are therefore welcome to post your comments and ideas.

I have come to see the Russian nation as the last front on earth against the scourges of Westernization, Americanization, Globalism, Zionism, Islamic extremism and pan-Turkism. I have also come to see Russia as the last hope humanity has for the preservation of classical western/European civilization, ethnic cultures, Apostolic Christianity and the concept of traditional nation-state. Needless to say, an alliance with Russia is Armenia's only hope for survival in a dangerous place like the south Caucasus. These sobering realizations compelled me to create this blog in 2010. This blog quickly became one of the very few voices in the vastness of Cyberia that dared to preach about the dangers of Globalism and the Anglo-American-Jewish alliance, and the only voice emphasizing the crucial importance of Armenia's close ties to the Russian nation. Today, no man and no political party is capable of driving a wedge between Armenia and Russia. Anglo-American-Jewish and Turkish agenda in Armenia will not succeed. I feel satisfied knowing that at least on a subatomic level I have had a hand in this outcome.

To limit clutter in the comments section, I kindly ask all participants of this blog to please keep comments coherent and strictly relevant to the featured topic of discussion. Moreover, please realize that when there are several "anonymous" visitors posting comments simultaneously, it becomes very confusing (not to mention annoying) trying to figure out who is who and who said what. Therefore, if you are here to engage in conversation, make an observation, express an idea or simply insult me, I ask you to at least use a moniker to identify yourself. Moreover, please appreciate the fact that I have put an enormous amount of information into this blog. In my opinion, most of my blog commentaries and articles, some going back ten-plus years, are in varying degrees relevant to this day and will remain so for a long time to come. Commentaries and articles found in this blog can therefore be revisited by longtime readers and new comers alike. I therefore ask the reader to treat this blog as a historical record and a depository of important information relating to Eurasian geopolitics, Russian-Armenian relations and humanity's historic fight against the evils of Globalism and Westernization.

Thank you as always for reading.

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