Choice between EU and EAEU is choice between unrealizable dream and  certainty

ArmInfo.The choice facing Armenia between the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EAEU) is a choice between an unrealizable dream and certainty, which "significantly helps the economy develop." This was stated by Robert Kocharyan, Armenia's second president and the Alliance Armenia candidate for  prime minister, in an interview with the RBC television channel. He described this choice as "existential for the entire Armenian economy."

"There is a specific situation that simply allows the Armenian  economy to breathe and develop. We are prioritizing some kind of  chimera, rejecting what truly positively impacts our lives," the  former president explained. He emphasized that the region is  currently "engaged in a struggle between geopolitical centers for  presence": Europeans and Americans are "doing absolutely everything  to displace Russia." Meanwhile, according to Kocharyan, Armenia  "threw itself into this process." "I think it would simply be wiser  not to get involved in this issue, to wait out the geopolitical storm  and, afterward, to see if, with minimal damage, it would be better to  choose a reliable haven that will allow you to keep your people safe  and prosperous," Kocharyan explained.

Speaking about relations between Moscow and Yerevan, Kocharyan  emphasized that a possible breakdown in relations would be  catastrophic for the latter. He pointed out that almost all Armenian  agricultural products are exported to Russia, while the European  Union market is characterized by "almost insurmountable barriers."  "Farmers will strangle their leaders. Ninety-eight percent of  agricultural products and more than 90% of alcoholic beverages are  wines and cognacs." "Nobody knows where this will all go.  And no one  is trying to suggest it will go to any specific country-absolutely  not. The consequences would truly be catastrophic," Kocharyan noted.  Moreover, Armenia's share of Russia's trade turnover is such that "no  one would notice" a severance of trade ties there, he believes. "The  situation is too unequal to play on it. Playing on what feeds your  economy and allows you to develop is not just short-sighted, it's  stupid," the prime ministerial candidate emphasized.

Kocharyan noted that Russia has long and patiently tried to explain  to the Armenian authorities that problems due to the republic's  rapprochement with the EU are entirely possible. Moreover, there were  direct hints about the consequences. However, he believes this  patience has run out.

"Why now? Because there was a large gathering here in early May - the  European Community summit.  [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy  was at that summit, and very aggressive statements were made against  Russia. I think this is the trigger that pushed Russia to take some  action," the Armenian politician said. In his opinion, this is how  they provoke the Russian side, which is then blamed for all of this.

At the same time, Kocharyan emphasized that the Alliance Armenia bloc  is not opposed to relations with the EU, but believes that money  should be made in the market that is already open to the republic.  "We are not against a visa-free regime. On the contrary, we are  confident that we will achieve it better than the current government.  But what we are saying is this: there is a huge market that we know,  there is a huge diaspora that helps us feel comfortable in this  market. And let's make money in this market," he explained.

Yerevan needs to pursue a balanced policy and "avoid getting caught  in the clashes between the great centers of power"; try not to  exploit these contradictions, but rather, try to smooth them over.  "Armenia simply doesn't need to get into trouble, but rather build  balanced, correct relations that are based on its own interests, not  those of Brussels or Washington," the former president believes.

Furthermore, the current Armenian government "focuses all its  rhetoric on Europe," while the economy and business are focused on  Russia. This, according to Kocharyan, is a "geopolitical split,"  which "for an untrained person" threatens "a rupture at the  appropriate point." "That is, the Russian market is open to us; there  are no barriers. Whether you like it or not, the market is oriented  that way, and your foreign economic policy has nothing to do with the  economic interests of your country. Where will this lead?" Kocharyan  said.