Armenia Tilts Towards the West: Former NATO Secretary General

While all attention is focused on the Russian-Ukrainian issue, another significant geopolitical shift is occurring in Europe, this time in the South Caucasus. Despite Armenia's historical, economic, energy, and military dependence on Russia, and the physical presence of thousands of Russian soldiers on its soil, the Armenian government has made bold efforts to strengthen democracy in Armenia and build closer ties with the democratic West.

This was stated in an article published in 'Le Monde' by former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. He emphasized, 'This requires the EU to adopt a more ambitious strategy for democracy in Armenia, and this should begin with the misconception that the EU should play a neutral role in the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Europe must play a mediating role in the negotiations to achieve sustainable peace; however, its approach must reflect the reality that Armenia has chosen the community of European democratic countries, while Azerbaijan is in the camp of aggressive autonomy. The lack of European clarity and ambition could threaten Armenia's young democracy.'

Rasmussen noted that 'The EU's new approach should commence at the trilateral summit taking place in Brussels on April 5, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will host Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.'