Kopirkhin on Armenian-Russian Relations and Russian Peacekeepers

The difference in the positions of Armenia and Russia does not touch the fundamental principles of bilateral relations, said Sergey Kopirkhin, the Ambassador of Russia to Armenia, in an interview with Armenia Today.

“You know, the word disagreement evokes a somewhat restrained attitude in me. What do we understand by saying disagreement? If we talk about the principled approaches to our relations, then, in my opinion, there are no disagreements as such. Both sides understand their importance and are inclined towards their development. There has been and is an understanding that our relations should develop in a way that corresponds maximally to the interests of our countries and contributes to the resolution of the problems faced by our countries. I think it is difficult to speak of disagreements in this respect,” said Kopirkhin.

According to the diplomat, in today’s world, with its contradictory trends, bilateral relations are facing serious challenges. However, the most important thing, according to Kopirkhin, is not the existence of these challenges, but the presence of political will on both sides to adequately respond to these challenges and to preserve the core of their relations and the fundamental principles that have been formed over the centuries, which are linked not so much to states as to the relationships between peoples and individuals.

Regarding the differences in positions on certain issues, he believes that they are inevitable, as the agenda is very saturated, with many issues, including those related to the security of countries, interests, and the activities of third players. “Therefore, there can be different visions and positions here, but this is normal. It concerns the interests of two sovereign states that are implementing the agenda they consider necessary. But I believe these are questions that do not touch the fundamental foundations of our relations,” emphasized Kopirkhin.

If we take a specific example of the difference in positions, it concerns the active involvement of third players in regional issues. Here Moscow has its perspective, which it does not hide. In particular, the parties approach the activities of the EU observer mission in Armenia differently. “Our position, including at a high political level, has been unequivocally expressed, but, I repeat, this is part of the relations between two sovereign states, which, I am convinced, does not touch the fundamental principles of our relations,” Kopirkhin emphasized.

The Russian Ambassador also addressed the complaints regarding the Russian peacekeeping forces in Artsakh. According to him, one can complain about the Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh, but Russia's presence is an important factor in preventing escalation. “This, in my opinion, does not need proving,” the Russian ambassador added.