Armenian expert: "Does Russia need strong Armenia?"

It is believed that the countries of Commonwealth of Independent States have been drawn into the zone of Russia's influence as its satellites. But if our goal is strategic partnership, Russia should revise its relations with the former Soviet states, also because the world offers us other options, including geostrategic ones.

The European Union and the United States are working hard to demonstrate their possibilities to Armenia, trying to become a dominant force there and in the whole of Caucasus.

Therefore, there are alternative forms of cooperation. But why start from scratch when we have a long and positive history of spiritual unity? Armenia is a multinational republic, but it is unique with regard to Russia in that every Armenian is wholeheartedly devoted to Russia. I have seen this attitude only in one other country, Montenegro. However, this situation is not unchangeable, because both sides have to work for strategic partnership.

It would be wrong to see Armenia as a political space and a zone of Russian influence that will never look at other possibilities. A new generation of young people in Armenia is now choosing what language they should study to build a better life for themselves. And Armenian businessmen are thinking with whom they can do better business.

Unfortunately, Russian-Armenian strategic partnership is mostly limited to mutual visits by ministers and government officials that usually take place in a friendly atmosphere. But maybe we have had enough of them? Maybe we should encourage mutual visits by doctors, teachers and young people?

I'm afraid the situation is almost the same in other former Soviet countries.

Our sovereignty implies not only the freedom to choose, but also the freedom to look for the real benefits of political or economic integration. Armenia is not eager to join the common customs space because it does not border on the EurAsEC countries, and becoming a pro forma member, a name on the letterhead, would be unwise.

Armenia's membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has not benefited it either, especially in view of confrontation with Azerbaijan in the disputed region, Nagorno Karabakh.

Armenia is a CSTO member, but Azerbaijan is not. However, Kazakhstan, which is also a member of the CSTO, sometimes voted for anti-Armenian and pro-Azerbaijani UN resolutions.

The CSTO in its present form may suit Asian states because they face threats from Afghanistan and the risk of extremist attacks, and so can benefit from collective security measures.

The Caucasus today is not a zone of common interests. With the exception of the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project, there is no regional cooperation to speak of. The Caucasian countries have different perspectives of the future, and the main goal of their politicians is to present their country in the best light in international organizations. But we are expected to present common concepts and a shared development vision. The international community is disappointed every time our politicians put forth different approaches and clashing interests.

No one needs Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan taken separately, because each of them has a very small market and no transit capabilities. So the Americans are right in saying that the Caucasus does not exist as a political entity.

Russia has not indicated so far that it needs the South Caucasus as a single whole. In my view, this is a losing stand for Russia, because the regional countries may choose to drift towards an alternative partner.

There are many reasons for the failure of the political project called the CIS. At the same time, it offers a good chance to use the humanitarian unity of our countries and nations. The new independent states no longer see Russia as "the big brother", although it should definitely be the main player in this project.

We have been idling for too long, and we have probably lost a whole generation that has not learned to speak Russian fluently. We must not allow the area of the Russian language to be curtailed. We must think seriously about finding proper employment for the graduates of Russian-Armenian University, including such where they would have to speak and write in Russian. We need strategic business projects that Russian corporations would implement in our countries. The process has begun, but we are not satisfied with its progress.

As soon as business starts speaking Russian, the demand for bright and qualified specialists who know Russian will grow. It should be more rewarding to learn Russian than English or French.

Thanks to Russian-Armenian University, many traditionally Russian-speaking families and the Armenian intellectual class have become convinced of the benefits offered by a Russian higher education. The Armenian Diaspora in Russia is closely watching our progress, and its members send their children here. They receive Russian degrees and hence will be able to live and work in Russia or Armenia, depending on their choice. This is expanding the area of the Russian language, mentality and culture, and will eventually strengthen Russian influence.

In my view, such important projects as the Year of Armenia in Russia or of Russia in Armenia should be used to encourage long-term cultural, humanitarian and research cooperation. It's been a long time since Armenian and Russian economists, sociologists and physicists worked on a joint project. There is no information about achievements in Russia or Armenia, without which no development is possible in professional spheres.

The terms "competitive country" and "competitive society" are fashionable in Russia now. How can one win in a competition? Azerbaijan has a strong argument - oil. Armenia's argument should be the minds of its people. The younger generation needs a good education, and Russian professors can help them receive it.

I am convinced that Russia needs a strong Armenia, which would be able to do much for bilateral relations and play a significant role in the region.

By Armen Darbinyan, rector of Russian-Armenian University and member of the RIA Novosti Expert Council

/RIA Novosti/