Why does Russia attract Armenians?
Armenia seeks to strengthen its relations with Russia, show the results of a survey conducted by the GALLUP International Association among 13,000 respondents from the former Soviet Union countries.
Forty-three percent of the respondents in Armenia noted that they would like the country to attack investments from Russia, and 35 percent from European countries. Ninety-two percent of the respondents consider Russia to be Armenia's friend, with 88 percent viewing the two countries as military allies.
The results of the survey did not surprise political analyst Sergey Shakaryants who says during the 22 years of independence Armenians have not enjoyed the opportunities given by independence.
Director of Gallup International Association's Armenian office, Aram Navasardyan, says Armenian authorities should consider the results of the survey when starting cooperation with other countries.
Speaking about Armenia's ties with the Eurasian Union and European Union, economist Samvel Avagyan said Armenia has maintains stable trade relations with both of them.
"Trading with them would be profitable for us, but if Armenia decides to become a member of the Eurasian Customs Union, it cannot conclude a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, with the EU," says the economist.
Sergey Shakaryants would like Armenia to continue cooperation with both side, however, if he was to choose between the Eurasian Union and European Union, he would prefer the Eurasian Customs Union.
