YEREVAN. – Russia interferes in Armenia-Iran relations, and attempts to decide what is beneficial for Armenia, and what is not. 

Founding president of the Armenian Institute of International and Security Affairs, political analyst Stiopa Safaryan, stated the aforementioned at a press conference on Thursday. He noted this reflecting on the prospects that are opening before Armenia, once the sanctions against Iran are lifted, and the respective role of Russia.

In the analyst’s words, Iran is a neighbor of Armenia which is interested in Armenia’s independence.

“It is apparent that Russia not interested at all in the freedom of the development of Armenia’s relations with Iran,” stressed Safaryan. “Under the circumstances, Armenia may become the most important country from the viewpoint that it could link Iran to Europe.

“But Armenia has been too passive throughout this because our strategic ally [i.e. Russia] does not allow us to be free.”

As per Stiopa Safaryan, Russia is against the improvement of Iran-Europe relations.