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  • Armenian Accession

    ARMENIAN ACCESSION
    by Doug Merrill

    Fistful of Euros, Sweden
    April 19 2006

    The German newspaper whose web site has marginally improved
    published an interview today* with Arthur Baghdasarian, leader of the
    second-largest party in the Armenian parliament. He has been president
    of parliament since 2003, and he is seen as a leading candidate to
    be president of the republic in 2008. They talk about whether or
    not Armenia needs a revolution, though not what color it might have,
    probably because Baghdasarian opts for reform rather than revolution.

    More interesting for afoe readers is this quote: "Armenia's future
    is not in the union of Russia and Belarus. Armenia's future is in the
    European Union and NATO." Later on he adds, "I am convinced there is
    no alternative [to EU accession]. Not just Armenia, but also Georgia,
    and why not Azerbaijan as well. We are small countries, and for us
    that will be the best structure for cooperation and peace. Europe
    needs a secure, conflict-free Caucasus and democratic neighbors."

    Whether or not the current 25 members are ready for enlargement, much
    less the old 15 (or 12 or 6 or whatever), potential enlargees are
    eager. The EU will have to answer these questions one way or another.

    My bet is on more members.

    * Annoyingly, it is only available online in pay-per-view. It's on
    page 5 of the paper version, if you have access.

    http://fistfulofeuros.net/archives/002491 .php
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