NATO is represented in the region neither by France nor Belgium or Greece but by Turkey, a state that doesn't conceal its hostility toward Armenia, RA National Assembly Vice Speaker, presidential hopeful Vahan Hovhannisian said in an interview with Military Diplomat magazine.

"As proved by surveys, the Armenian society tends to oppose the republic's membership in NATO at the moment. However, I can't assert that such a position will be maintained. Various societies throughout the globe have been inspired with the most unexpected ideas and the Armenian public is not an exception," he said. "I would like to draw attention to Russia's position which evidently thinks that its soviet satellite nations will always remain as such. However, the recent developments in the post soviet space do signal that the situation cardinally changed and Russia has to prove the expediency of being its ally."

"I don't think Russia comprehends this fact. Some Russian forces suppose that "Armenia has nowhere to go" and, therefore, can be dealt shortly. But there is an old rule: if you think that your friend is "in your pocket" you pave the way for distrust. This rule functions despite your growing oil income. That is why I refrain from assuring that the Armenian society will keep opposing NATO membership," Mr Hovhannisian said.