A Field for Tripartite Cooperation Opens in the Region: Armenia–Russia–Artsakh, Suren Parsiain

The head of the Economic Research Office of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Suren Parsiain, discussed the future cooperation between Armenia and Artsakh and the prospects for restoring economic potential during a broadcast on Sputnik Armenia.

According to Parsiain’s observations, the further foundations for cooperation between Armenia and Artsakh should be established through the signing of a strategic alliance, which would allow for the management and resolution of all issues within that alliance. At present, it is unclear what obligations Armenia has towards Artsakh and vice versa. In other words, the cooperation should take a concrete documentary form, and regardless of the current government’s desires, worldview, or actions, these obligations should not be ignored, highlighting that Armenia has much to do in this regard.

“Armenia is primarily obligated to ensure the security of Artsakh. The latter has, in turn, ensured the safety of the southern regions of Armenia for thirty years. We did not fully understand this, but now, when Azerbaijani forces have approached Syunik, not only the locals but the entire people of Armenia must properly assess the danger and build relationships with Artsakh to enhance the security of Armenia and the strengthening of Artsakh,” noted the economist.

Parsiain believes that not everything is lost; we have opportunities to restore what we have lost, and to achieve this, a reevaluation of our policies in all directions—economic, military, and social—is necessary. Moreover, there is a need to form a new team, new approaches, and new ideas.

“To restore Artsakh’s economic potential, merely the efforts of Armenia are not sufficient. There needs to be cooperation and negotiations with the Russian side, which has its interests in our region, particularly in Artsakh. Russian soldiers and their families living in the region should have the appropriate infrastructure, facilities to serve them, which opens the ground for tripartite negotiations and cooperation between Armenia, Russia, and Artsakh, and serious construction and infrastructure projects should be carried out,” said the economist.

According to Parsiain, the Russian side should also be interested in ensuring that Artsakh's residents have jobs and remain in their homeland, which requires ensuring their security. This means there are mutual interests, and each side must have a clear role, with a division of labor to be performed.