05/06/2013 21:58
Aram Sargsyan: We should seriously discuss entry into Customs Union
It would be incorrect to reject integration systems, and if Europe does not force us to stay only within its framework and there is an opportunity to join the Customs Union and later also the Eurasian Union, it will be advantageous to Armenia,” Chairman of the Democratic Party of Armenia Aram Sargsyan said during a talk with Aysor.am.
According to him, if the country has to choose between the integration with European structures and the entry into the Customs Union, then Armenia should hold serious discussions on this issue related to the country’s national security.
“If we consider the Customs Union as a prerequisite for joining the Eurasian Union, then we should examine whether they are ready to create for us the necessary format allowing Yerevan to join that union, while taking into account our state interests,” the DPA chairman noted.
In his words, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is in the same economic system as Armenia: the two republics have a common customs territory and a common currency.
“If a format allowing Armenia and NKR to be included together in the Customs Union is set up, then we should agree to it because in this way the NKR will be indirectly recognized as part of Armenia and it will enter into the future Eurasian Union, while having the status of a subject,” Aram Sargsyan said.
He noted that the Association Agreement proposed by Europe is an 800-page document and is unfamiliar to the general public.
“Some hotheads consider it important to oppose Russia, but it is necessary first of all to examine what Europe offers you,” Aram Sargsyan said.
He stressed the necessity to conduct discussions regarding the entry into the Customs Union, adding that discussions should be held in various formats and with the participation of many expert groups as the matter concerns Armenia’s future.