Kocharyan: It's naive to think Europe can solve Armenia's security problems

Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan dismissed the "naive" claims that Europe could play any meaningful role in resolving security issues in Armenia.

"It’s naive to believe Europe can resolve any of Armenia’s security problems. That’s simply not possible," Kocharyan told reporters in an interview on Monday.

He argued that symbolic gestures, such as statements by French President Emmanuel Macron, have little tangible impact.

"Macron may make a beautiful statement, we may feel pleased and perhaps even witness a warm embrace with Armenia’s prime minister – who seems to enjoy those displays – but that’s where it all ends," the ex-president said.

Kocharyan named Russia, Turkey and Iran as the only countries holding real influence in the South Caucasus.

"Which of these countries is more culturally and historically aligned with us? With whom do we have deeper economic ties and a shared past? Which has the greatest economic and military potential? Which one is closest to us in terms of cultural code? The answers to these questions are clear," Kocharyan emphasized.

He stressed the need for a complementary foreign policy, warning against a fragmented or misguided approach.

"This isn’t a situation where multiple viable alternatives exist. Debates about Europe are largely futile and Europe itself doesn’t even respond to them. These conversations often serve to discredit Russia, but that’s not strategy, that’s making ourselves tools in the hands of others. Is there any country more invested in Armenia than Russia?” Kocharyan added.