“Zhamanak” says that with his remarks made at the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) on Wednesday Serzh Sarkisian only reinforced a sense among European policy-makers that Armenia “cannot be a reliable political partner.” “And the reason for this is not the country’s accession to the customs union,” writes the paper. “The problem relates to the country’s behavior in general, with one thing being said for a long time and then the opposite being done in practice.” It says Sarkisian’s speech in Strasbourg showed that he does not realize the “inherent defect” of his last-minute policy U-turn. “In effect, Serzh Sarkisian tried to continue fooling the Europeans,” it claims.
“Zhoghovurd” says Sarkisian’s explanations disappointed PACE lawmakers and his domestic critics angered by his decision to make Armenia part of the Russian-led union. “We conclude that once again the Armenian people are told about Serzh Sarkisian’s decisions regarding their future from European or Russian capitals,” says the paper.
By contrast, “Hayots Ashkhar” believes that Sarkisian did a good job of presenting Armenia’s foreign policy priorities in the light of its planned accession to the customs union. The pro-presidential paper singles out Sarkisian’s pledge to carry on with “democratic reforms” and cooperate with the European Union and the Council of Europe in that endeavor.
“Hraparak” says Zaruhi Postanjian, an opposition member of the Armenian delegation in the PACE, sought to “disgrace” Sarkisian in Strasbourg when she accused him of losing 70 million euros in European casinos. “The Armenian public was yesterday split into two equal camps. Some said Postanjian did the right thing … The other camp said that Zaruhi is a traitor, that she put the country’s dirty linen on display abroad,” writes the paper. It sees “elements of truth” in both opinions.
(Tigran Avetisian)
“Zhoghovurd” says Sarkisian’s explanations disappointed PACE lawmakers and his domestic critics angered by his decision to make Armenia part of the Russian-led union. “We conclude that once again the Armenian people are told about Serzh Sarkisian’s decisions regarding their future from European or Russian capitals,” says the paper.
By contrast, “Hayots Ashkhar” believes that Sarkisian did a good job of presenting Armenia’s foreign policy priorities in the light of its planned accession to the customs union. The pro-presidential paper singles out Sarkisian’s pledge to carry on with “democratic reforms” and cooperate with the European Union and the Council of Europe in that endeavor.
“Hraparak” says Zaruhi Postanjian, an opposition member of the Armenian delegation in the PACE, sought to “disgrace” Sarkisian in Strasbourg when she accused him of losing 70 million euros in European casinos. “The Armenian public was yesterday split into two equal camps. Some said Postanjian did the right thing … The other camp said that Zaruhi is a traitor, that she put the country’s dirty linen on display abroad,” writes the paper. It sees “elements of truth” in both opinions.
(Tigran Avetisian)