After Putin’s epochal visit, which, by the way, did not become neither epochal nor even state, we can make some generalizations. First, as it was expected, Putin had been granted with some modest gifts, i.e. 20% Armenia’s share of ‘ArmRusgasard”, some small gifts like hydroelectric station and some tiny things like that. This, naturally, is a traditional ritual, which had been rooted during the first official visit of Putin to Armenia, i.e. Property for debt.
However, let us not exaggerate Putin’s greed and let’s consider that he left his work and came to Armenia for such modest gifts, moreover, he called it a state visit. Putin defined his visit with one sentence: “Russia will not leave Transcaucasus and will strengthen its role there”.
This is the key announcement which had been made within the frameworks of several hours of state visit, after 12 signed documents, economic forum, and conference, “Yerevan Expo”, which were boring and unessential rituals. Even decrease of gas price, which had been announced by Putin, will not be low for RA citizens at all.
To think that Putin came to Armenia to inform that Russia will not leave Transcaucasus will be naivety, as we all are perfectly aware of the fact that Russia will not leave with its own will.
It’s not surprising, that the first reply was from Iran. Supreme ambassador of Iran to Armenia Mohammad Reis had welcomed Armenian-Russian cooperation and informed that Iran can provide Armenia lower price gas.
One thing is for sure; Russia will start a total expansion against Transcaucasus and has already started.
By: Aghasi Margaryan
