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ARMENIAN MP SPEAKS OF U-TURN IN ARMENIA'S POLICY
21:45 03.09.13
Armenia's ex-FM, Parliament member Alexander Arzumanyan has commented
on Armenia's decision in favor of joining the Customs Union, given
the fact that, just a day ago, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia
(RPA) stated that Armenia would initial an association agreement with
the European Union (EU) unless any special circumstances emerge.
Armenia's decision is a surprise for him.
"I am expecting official explanations. This is a U-turn which goes
beyond all the limits of foreign policy implemented over the past two
years. This decision runs counter to our foreign policy," Arzumanyan
told Tert.am.
He considers strange the fact that the head of the RPA parliamentary
group stated Armenia would sign the association agreement, whereas
Armenia's president states Armenia's readiness to join the Customs
Union.
He repeated his previous statement that membership in the Customs
Union is a violation of Armenia's Constitution and infringement on
Armenia's sovereignty.
"Numerous issues have to be discussed. Let us wait for explanations
and for our European partners' response. It has repeatedly been said
that the idea of the Customs Union runs counter to the main points
of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement," Arzumanyan said.
Asked about possible responses, Arzumanyan, without speaking in the
EU's behalf, said, "I am sure they will be consistent. We should
consider the fact that the EU has its norms which it must confirm."
A union formed under pressure will not exist long, he said.
Armenian News - Tert.am
21:45 03.09.13
Armenia's ex-FM, Parliament member Alexander Arzumanyan has commented
on Armenia's decision in favor of joining the Customs Union, given
the fact that, just a day ago, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia
(RPA) stated that Armenia would initial an association agreement with
the European Union (EU) unless any special circumstances emerge.
Armenia's decision is a surprise for him.
"I am expecting official explanations. This is a U-turn which goes
beyond all the limits of foreign policy implemented over the past two
years. This decision runs counter to our foreign policy," Arzumanyan
told Tert.am.
He considers strange the fact that the head of the RPA parliamentary
group stated Armenia would sign the association agreement, whereas
Armenia's president states Armenia's readiness to join the Customs
Union.
He repeated his previous statement that membership in the Customs
Union is a violation of Armenia's Constitution and infringement on
Armenia's sovereignty.
"Numerous issues have to be discussed. Let us wait for explanations
and for our European partners' response. It has repeatedly been said
that the idea of the Customs Union runs counter to the main points
of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement," Arzumanyan said.
Asked about possible responses, Arzumanyan, without speaking in the
EU's behalf, said, "I am sure they will be consistent. We should
consider the fact that the EU has its norms which it must confirm."
A union formed under pressure will not exist long, he said.
Armenian News - Tert.am