March 15, 2006 - 13:51 AMT
Russia Will Always Be Armenia's Closest Ally
Armenia's policy towards Russia will not change after the presidential election in the republic, Armenian Ambassador to Russia Armen Smbatyan stated. In his words, the Armenian-Russian relations activated this year in all the fields. "The interparliamentary commission focused on science, education and economy. The issues referring to the railway via Abkahzia were as well touched upon," he said. When asked whether Armenia is satisfied with the relationships with Russia, the Armenian diplomat said, "On the whole Armenia is satisfied. The problem is the double price for gas. Negotiations are held at present though we understand that the measure is conditioned by the general rise in prices." When commenting on the prospects of the Armenian-Russian relations, Armen Smbatyan noted that Russia will always be Armenia's closest ally. "Armenia will hold presidential election in two years. I do not think policy will change. Our relations are determined not by the power structures but by the peoples," the diplomat noted, reported the National News Agency.