EU ASKS ARMENIA TO CLARIFY DECISION ON RUSSIA-BACKED CUSTOMS UNION
Europe Online Magazine
Sept 5 2013
Brussels (dpa) – The European Union said Wednesday that it would seek
clarification on Armenia’s decision to join a Russia-backed customs
union, after years of free trade negotiations with the 28-member bloc.
“We look forward to understanding better from Armenia what their
intentions are,” said Peter Stano, the spokesman for EU Commissioner
Stefan Fule, who is responsible for neighbourhood policy.
He said the European Commission would ask Yerevan how it planned to
“ensure compatibility” with the association and free trade agreement
it sought with the EU.
“Once this consultation has been completed, we will draw our
conclusions on the way forward,” Stano added.
Diplomats have previously expressed scepticism about the possibility
of a country entering into a free trade agreement with the EU as well
as the customs union initiated by Russia.
Moscow and Brussels have been vying for influence over six former
Soviet countries that the EU is seeking closer ties with under its
Eastern Partnership programme.
After more than three years of negotiations, Armenia had been expected
to initial its agreement with the EU at a key November summit, which
is also being attended by Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova
and Ukraine.
But on Tuesday Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Russian President
Vladimir Putin issued a joint statement from Moscow declaring
Yerevan’s intention to join the customs union formed by Russia,
Belarus and Kazakhstan.
The ultimate aim would be the formation of a Eurasian Economic Union,
the presidents said.
EU lawmaker Gunnar Hoekmark, who specializes in EU neighbourhood
policies, said Armenia was “turning away from Europe.”
“With this step, the prospects for democracy will be weakened and the
risk of increased Russian influence over its neighbours will increase,”
Hoekmark said.
dpa NOTEBOOK
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
