PM ON RUSSIA RELATIONS: " . . . NECESSARY TO FIND A FORMULA . . . "
http://armenianow.com/society/43161/tigran_sargsyan_customs_union_armenia_russia
SOCIETY | 05.02.13 | 14:40
Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan in an interview to Russian
"Moskovskie Novisti" said a distinctive feature in Armenian-Russian
relations is that "we don't see any problems in that".
"It is very important that, historically there were formed relations
between our people which are valued and passed from generation
to generation. Our relationships are very comprehensive. And from
this point of view it is difficult to identify as a priority for a
single or multiple destinations. However, in recent times the issues
of security and our shared responsibility for the future come to the
fore. We see that Russia is interested in strong ally in the Caucasus,
such as Armenia."
Speaking about the Russian Customs Union and Armenia's possible
membership, Sargsyan noted that Armenia does not have common borders
with Russia; another specific is that Armenia's economy differs from
the economic structure of the countries-members of the Union, where
there is a considerable energy recourses and where is implemented a
policy of protecting domestic producers by quite high customs duties.
In general, Sargsyan noted, the level of fees in the Customs Union is
twice higher than in Armenia. Also, Armenia was the first CIS country
which joined the World Trade Organization, and "it also gives some
specifics on our relations with the Customs Union. It is therefore
necessary to find a formula, and the best tools for our interaction
with the Union."
Sargsyan spoke on Armenian-Georgian relations and in this regard
he said that the railway communication through Georgia (to Russia
through Abkhazia) is of vital importance for Armenia.
"Georgia is interested in establishing ties with Russia. It is
clear there are many issues that must be addressed and those are not
short-term tasks. We were pleased with the position of the Georgian
premier, who showed interest in resolving the problems and establishing
contacts with Russia. We expect that in the nearest future the problem
will be solved and we will apply maximum efforts for that"
http://armenianow.com/society/43161/tigran_sargsyan_customs_union_armenia_russia
SOCIETY | 05.02.13 | 14:40
Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan in an interview to Russian
"Moskovskie Novisti" said a distinctive feature in Armenian-Russian
relations is that "we don't see any problems in that".
"It is very important that, historically there were formed relations
between our people which are valued and passed from generation
to generation. Our relationships are very comprehensive. And from
this point of view it is difficult to identify as a priority for a
single or multiple destinations. However, in recent times the issues
of security and our shared responsibility for the future come to the
fore. We see that Russia is interested in strong ally in the Caucasus,
such as Armenia."
Speaking about the Russian Customs Union and Armenia's possible
membership, Sargsyan noted that Armenia does not have common borders
with Russia; another specific is that Armenia's economy differs from
the economic structure of the countries-members of the Union, where
there is a considerable energy recourses and where is implemented a
policy of protecting domestic producers by quite high customs duties.
In general, Sargsyan noted, the level of fees in the Customs Union is
twice higher than in Armenia. Also, Armenia was the first CIS country
which joined the World Trade Organization, and "it also gives some
specifics on our relations with the Customs Union. It is therefore
necessary to find a formula, and the best tools for our interaction
with the Union."
Sargsyan spoke on Armenian-Georgian relations and in this regard
he said that the railway communication through Georgia (to Russia
through Abkhazia) is of vital importance for Armenia.
"Georgia is interested in establishing ties with Russia. It is
clear there are many issues that must be addressed and those are not
short-term tasks. We were pleased with the position of the Georgian
premier, who showed interest in resolving the problems and establishing
contacts with Russia. We expect that in the nearest future the problem
will be solved and we will apply maximum efforts for that"