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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
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