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EU OFFICIAL SPEAKS OF 'ENORMOUS PRESSURE' FROM RUSSIA UPON EASTERN PARTNERSHIP NATIONS
http://www.armenianow.com/news/48452/armenia_stefan_fule_russia_pressure_eu
NEWS | 12.09.13 | 11:36
European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan
Fule has made a statement in which he expressed his concern in
connection with growing pressure from Russia on the countries that
are members of the EU Eastern Partnership program, including Armenia.
Official Yerevan denies that any pressure was exerted on it by Moscow
in the matter of taking the decision to join the Customs Union of
Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, which apparently comes at the expense
of Armenia's further integration with the European Union as part
of the Eastern Partnership Program. Other members of the program,
notably Ukraine and Moldova, have also apparently been pressured
by Moscow to abandon their plans to initial or sign agreements on
association and forming a deep and comprehensive free trade area
(DCFTA) with Brussels - something that Armenia was also on track to
do before the September 3 announcement of its decision to shift focus
towards integration with Russia.
"The Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius is fast approaching. It
promises to mark a momentous step forward in our political association
and economic integration with several of our eastern European
neighbors. Clearly - and wrongly - this is seen in some quarters as
a threat. As a result, we have seen enormous pressure being brought
to bear upon some of our partners," said Fule.
The European official emphasized that a Customs Union membership is
not compatible with the DCFTAs. "This is not because of ideological
differences; this is not about a clash of economic blocs, or a
zero-sum game. This is due to legal impossibilities," he explained,
emphasizing that for members of the Eastern Partnership it will
certainly be possible to increase their cooperation with the Customs
Union and participation in a DCFTA is fully compatible with partners'
existing free trade agreements with other CIS states.
"Let me be clear: the development of the Eurasian Economic Union
project must respect our partners' sovereign decisions. Any threats
from Russia linked to the possible signing of agreements with the
European Union are unacceptable," Fule underscored.
Despite its decision to join the Customs Union Armenia has reaffirmed
its commitment to continue political dialogue and cooperation with
the EU.
Fule is expected in Yerevan today and it is possible that Brussels
will formulate its official position on the issue after his visit.
http://www.armenianow.com/news/48452/armenia_stefan_fule_russia_pressure_eu
NEWS | 12.09.13 | 11:36
European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan
Fule has made a statement in which he expressed his concern in
connection with growing pressure from Russia on the countries that
are members of the EU Eastern Partnership program, including Armenia.
Official Yerevan denies that any pressure was exerted on it by Moscow
in the matter of taking the decision to join the Customs Union of
Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, which apparently comes at the expense
of Armenia's further integration with the European Union as part
of the Eastern Partnership Program. Other members of the program,
notably Ukraine and Moldova, have also apparently been pressured
by Moscow to abandon their plans to initial or sign agreements on
association and forming a deep and comprehensive free trade area
(DCFTA) with Brussels - something that Armenia was also on track to
do before the September 3 announcement of its decision to shift focus
towards integration with Russia.
"The Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius is fast approaching. It
promises to mark a momentous step forward in our political association
and economic integration with several of our eastern European
neighbors. Clearly - and wrongly - this is seen in some quarters as
a threat. As a result, we have seen enormous pressure being brought
to bear upon some of our partners," said Fule.
The European official emphasized that a Customs Union membership is
not compatible with the DCFTAs. "This is not because of ideological
differences; this is not about a clash of economic blocs, or a
zero-sum game. This is due to legal impossibilities," he explained,
emphasizing that for members of the Eastern Partnership it will
certainly be possible to increase their cooperation with the Customs
Union and participation in a DCFTA is fully compatible with partners'
existing free trade agreements with other CIS states.
"Let me be clear: the development of the Eurasian Economic Union
project must respect our partners' sovereign decisions. Any threats
from Russia linked to the possible signing of agreements with the
European Union are unacceptable," Fule underscored.
Despite its decision to join the Customs Union Armenia has reaffirmed
its commitment to continue political dialogue and cooperation with
the EU.
Fule is expected in Yerevan today and it is possible that Brussels
will formulate its official position on the issue after his visit.