“Zhamanak” comments on tensions between Russia and Turkey sparked by Moscow’s decision to reaffirm its recognition of the Armenian genocide. The paper is surprised by this, arguing that Russian-Turkish relations have steadily developed over the past decade. “All of a sudden the centennial of the Armenian genocide has put up a wall between them,” it says. “It might be that Russia and Turkey are playing a game, trying to disorient both the West and Iran.” Western powers and Iran have a vested interested in Russian-Turkish tensions, speculates the paper.
Hrant Bagratian, an opposition lawmaker who had served as Armenia’s prime minister from 1993-1996, tells “Aravot” that economic implications for Armenia of a possible nuclear deal between Iran and the West should not overestimated. “But that can certainly give positive impetus to the Armenian economy,” adds Bagratian. “I personally am interested in the question of having really alternative energy resources. That would make Armenia’s economy more efficient in terms of energy.”
Also, Bagratian is skeptical about the significance for Armenia of a Chinese project to revive the ancient Silk Road. “Political and military cooperation with China is more interesting and important,” he says. “I think that Serzh Sarkisian’s visit [to China] was primarily connected with this.”
“Chorrord Ishkhanutyun” blasts President Serzh Sarkisian’s televised interview with a prominent Russian journalist, Vladimir Pozner, that was aired this week. The pro-opposition paper claims that Sarkisian looked more like a Russian regional governor than the leader of an independent state. It also criticizes his remark that Armenia was “more secure” when it was part of the Soviet Union. “Of course, during the 70-year existence of the Soviet Union Armenia made huge progress,” it says. “But during the same period all Armenians were driven out of Nakhichevan. The [anti-Armenian] pogroms of Baku, Sumgait and Kirovabad took place in Soviet times.”
“Zhoghovurd” believes that Pope Francis’s April 12 sermon in which he reaffirmed his recognition of the Armenian genocide gave a massive boost to the Armenians ahead of the 100th anniversary of the mass killings. The paper says the pope’s move, followed by a spate of recognitions by a number of foreign states, marked a “breakthrough” in the Armenian campaign for a greater international recognition of the genocide.
(Tigran Avetisian)