What is Armenia's position? 'Hayots Ashkharh'

'Hayots Ashkharh' newspaper reports: 'While residents of Donetsk and Luhansk celebrate the recognition of their autonomous states by Russia, discussions are underway in Armenia about what Armenia's position will be on this issue. Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of the two self-proclaimed republics on February 21, simultaneously signing friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance agreements with the leaders of the two Donbass states.

Member of the National Assembly’s 'Civil Contract' faction, Anush Beglaryan, responded to the question of whether Armenia would recognize the independence of the Donbass countries: 'Armenia is not constrained in its foreign policy and builds relationships with any country within the framework of mutual interests. I have no further comments on this matter.' We also asked the same question to the Secretary of the opposition 'Honorary' faction and Vice-Chair of the NA Foreign Relations Permanent Committee, Hayk Mamijanyan: 'I will not respond at this time,' he noted.

Member of the NA Foreign Relations Committee, Maria Karapetyan, also sidestepped the question yesterday regarding whether Armenia is prepared to recognize the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk: 'I will not comment on this matter now, as I need to wait for a position to be formed. I have not had the opportunity to discuss recent political and geopolitical developments with my other colleagues.'

In fact, both parliamentary opposition and ruling party members are avoiding expressing a clear position on the events occurring in Donetsk and Luhansk. And while there has been no response from Yerevan, the President of Artsakh has hastily welcomed President Vladimir Putin's decision on behalf of the authorities and the people. Araik Harutyunyan considered international recognition of statehood a civilized means to prevent bloodshed and drew parallels with Artsakh.

For more details, see today's issue of the newspaper.