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Experts Discuss Armenia's Choice Of Customs Union

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  • Experts Discuss Armenia's Choice Of Customs Union

    EXPERTS DISCUSS ARMENIA'S CHOICE OF CUSTOMS UNION

    Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
    Sept 12 2013

    12 September 2013 - 1:21pm

    Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in Russia ten days ago
    that Armenia will join the Customs Union. Russian and Armenian
    experts gathered to discuss the choice between the Customs Union
    and development of integration within the framework of the Eastern
    Partnership. A summit will be organized for the latter in Vilnius in
    November 2013.

    Alexander Skakov, coordinator of the working group of the Center for
    Studies of Central Asia, Caucasus, Ural-Volga of the Institute for
    Oriental Studies of the RAS, said that both choices lacked road maps
    and there were no visible prospects for appearance of any.

    Vyacheslav Kovalenko, Russian Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
    Ambassador to Georgia and Armenia (2009-2013), Director for regional
    programs of the Institute for Caspian Cooperation, emphasized that both
    sides had political will and there were no obstacles for development of
    a road map in Russia. He noted that Russia needed to integrate Armenia
    with regions and small business to boost the agricultural reform.

    Kovalenko said that many Armenians were living in Russia's South
    and will most likely study in Yerevan, a city suitable for opening a
    branch of the MSU. Armenia has only 100 centers offering free lessons
    of the Russian language.

    Alexander Markarov, Director of the Armenian branch of the Institute
    of CIS States, said that joining the Customs Union would strengthen
    economic and military cooperation with Armenia. Russia is the main
    investor in Armenia. Small and medium business would get benefits. The
    humanitarian field of Armenia would benefit from the MSU branch.

    Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Institute for the Caucasus, said
    that the decision to join the Customs Union was political. He noted
    the role of Russian business in Armenia and popularity of the Russian
    language, but he reminded that there were still problems with Georgia.

    Skakov said that restoration of railway communications were a matter
    of recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They are
    more likely to be recognized by Brussels than Georgia. Skakov noted
    another project: the road from Vladikavkaz to Tbilisi to bypass the
    two breakaway republics.

    Iskandaryan emphasized that Armenia will need to make the choice in
    autumn. Armenia cooperated with the US, Iran, Georgia and Russia and
    could not step over the security problem.

    http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/politics/45017.html

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