Armenia must specify its position on the agreement on long-term gas supply for Nabucco between Azerbaijan and the European Commission and “eventually find its place in the sun,” Doctor of Political Science Levon Shirinyan told journalists January 18.

According to him, Armenia is becoming increasingly estranged from Europe, as well as from its strategic partner Russia. The Nabucco project may be developed in two directions: the gas pipeline may run through Georgia to Ukraine and Poland or through Georgia to Turkey, Greece, Italy and Southern Europe. The project implies the use of Middle Asian energy resources, as the energy resources of Azerbaijan are insufficient.

“Our country is near gas and oil pipelines and its location is favorable with respect to control. Armenia needs to re-orientate its foreign policy toward Iran despite the fact that the U.S. has problem with that state. Armenia also needs balanced relations with Europe. We should not forget that Europe is not only a centuries-old expert in democracy, but also an expert in balance of forces, capable of resolving its problems by means of other states,” Shirinyan said. Armenia must declare the Nabucco gas pipeline its priority, the expert said.

NEWS.am reminds readers that Azerbaijan has reached an agreement on long-term gas supply to European countries. A relevant agreement was signed by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Azerbaijan is major gas supplier for the Nabucco gas pipeline, which is Europe’s attempt to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.