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RUSSIAN EXPERT: CUSTOMS UNION DOESN'T MEAN RETURN OF SOVIET RULE
September 4, 2013 - 17:13 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Cooperation between Russia, Armenia and other
countries of the Customs Union should demonstrate three aspects,
according to member of the Russian Civic Chamber, political analyst
Denis Dvornikov.
"First, participation and economic integration in the Union are
beneficial and effective. Second, formation and development of the
Union doesn't mean return of the soviet rule. Third, the Customs
Union is a project of like-minded members enjoying equal rights with
a purpose to achieve economic and political advantages," Dvornikov
told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, adding that any complication and
misunderstanding might undermine the international project.
Armenia completed technical talks on a 'deep and comprehensive
free-trade agreement' (DCFTA) with the EU in July and it was set
to be signed at a summit with the EU in late November. The EU has
repeatedly stated publicly and privately that membership of the
Eurasian Customs Union - whose members are Russia, Belarus and
Kazakhstan - is "incompatible" with a DCFTA, The European Voice says.
In addition to a free-trade deal, Armenia has been working towards
the signing of an association agreement with the EU, a framework
agreement on co-operation that is seen as a first step towards
political integration with the EU.
During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian
leader Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs Union,
with further plans to be involved in formation of EurAsEC.
Mr. Putin supported the initiative, voicing readiness to assist Armenia
in the process. He also noted that Russian Railways may invest 15
billion rubles in development of Armenia's railway network.
The Customs Union was formed in 2010 to include of Belarus, Kazakhstan,
and Russia; Kirghizia and Tajikistan later expressed willingness to
join the Union.
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt described Armenia's intention as
a U-turn in relations with the European Union. "Seems as if Armenia
will break talks on free trade agreement with EU and integrate with
Russia instead," he said on his Twitter account.
"Destiny of our Eastern partners is in their hands and we do care
about neighbors of our neighbors," Štefan Fule, the enlargement and
neighborhood commissioner, tweeted from the same event.
http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/169545/Russian_expert_Customs_Union_doesnt_mean_return_of _soviet_rule
From: A. Papazian
September 4, 2013 - 17:13 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Cooperation between Russia, Armenia and other
countries of the Customs Union should demonstrate three aspects,
according to member of the Russian Civic Chamber, political analyst
Denis Dvornikov.
"First, participation and economic integration in the Union are
beneficial and effective. Second, formation and development of the
Union doesn't mean return of the soviet rule. Third, the Customs
Union is a project of like-minded members enjoying equal rights with
a purpose to achieve economic and political advantages," Dvornikov
told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, adding that any complication and
misunderstanding might undermine the international project.
Armenia completed technical talks on a 'deep and comprehensive
free-trade agreement' (DCFTA) with the EU in July and it was set
to be signed at a summit with the EU in late November. The EU has
repeatedly stated publicly and privately that membership of the
Eurasian Customs Union - whose members are Russia, Belarus and
Kazakhstan - is "incompatible" with a DCFTA, The European Voice says.
In addition to a free-trade deal, Armenia has been working towards
the signing of an association agreement with the EU, a framework
agreement on co-operation that is seen as a first step towards
political integration with the EU.
During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian
leader Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs Union,
with further plans to be involved in formation of EurAsEC.
Mr. Putin supported the initiative, voicing readiness to assist Armenia
in the process. He also noted that Russian Railways may invest 15
billion rubles in development of Armenia's railway network.
The Customs Union was formed in 2010 to include of Belarus, Kazakhstan,
and Russia; Kirghizia and Tajikistan later expressed willingness to
join the Union.
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt described Armenia's intention as
a U-turn in relations with the European Union. "Seems as if Armenia
will break talks on free trade agreement with EU and integrate with
Russia instead," he said on his Twitter account.
"Destiny of our Eastern partners is in their hands and we do care
about neighbors of our neighbors," Štefan Fule, the enlargement and
neighborhood commissioner, tweeted from the same event.
http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/169545/Russian_expert_Customs_Union_doesnt_mean_return_of _soviet_rule
From: A. Papazian