October 17, 2006 - 17:06 AMT
Armenia Should Prepare to Mitigating Consequences of Russia-Georgia Opposition in Advance
At the given phase of the protracted confrontation between Georgia and Russia there are no significant and moreover catastrophic consequences for Armenia expected from economic and political pressure put by Moscow upon Tbilisi, analyst of Spectrum Center for Strategic Analysis Sergey Sargsyan told PanARMENIAN.Net. In his words, firstly, the matter does not concern economic blockade yet, but economic and psychological pressure. "Moreover, Russia is interested to make these addressed, thus limitations will not concern transit. Secondly, the next peak of anti-Russian campaign in Georgia, marking local authorities elections is already overcome. Another matter is that Russia used the occasion - the detention of its servicemen - to radically reconsider its policy towards Tbilisi. Thus, one should not rule out further aggravation of Russian-Georgian relations, up to introducing complex sanctions. Thus, it would be good to prepare to it in advance, e.g. changing transportation routes," he remarked.

Besides, Sargsyan underscored that in the current situation repair and expanding of Poti-Akhalkalaki-Gyumri road could be lobbied within the Millennium Challenge Account. "Its sponsors will meet the idea with understanding, as otherwise the cargo will go through Iran, and this will tie Armenia with IRI even closer - both in economic and political respects," the Armenian analyst said.

  • Full text of the interview