Slow Progress in Proshyan Murder Investigation

Slow Progress in Proshyan Murder Investigation

By Samson Martirosyan //
September 7, 2013

YEREVAN (A.W.) – Five months have passed since Karabagh war veteran, ARF
member and mayor of Proshyan Hrach Muradyan, 50, was gunned down near
the municipality building, and the investigation appears to be moving
at a sluggish pace. Two brothers, Arayik and Artak Petrosyan, remain
under arrest, while the victim’s family has resorted to protesting in
front of police headquarters demanding answers.

Arayik, 31, faced charges and criminal proceedings under Articles 104,
2.2 (murder of the person or close relative of the latter, due to
service and public duty of the person) and 235, 1 (illegal
procurement, transportation, keeping or carrying of weapons,
explosives or explosive devices, except smoothbore long-barrel hunting
guns, ammunition) of Armenia’s criminal code. Even though Arayik’s
arrest term was to expire in August, he remains in police custody.
Despite the lack of evidence, the court once again extended his arrest
by another two months.

Law enforcement officials claimed that there was an `urgent’ need to
reexamine the main piece of evidence – the traces of metallic antimony
(a metalloid used in the production of bullets) found on Arayik’s body
and car. Reexamination of the traces of antimony may bring some
clarification to the investigation, but under no circumstances can it
be a solid basis for prolonging his arrest term. Even if reexamination
proves that traces of antimony were the result of a gunshot, law
enforcement officials still won’t be able to prove that antimony
traces were the result of the exact gunshot that killed Mayor
Muradyan.

Moreover, there seems to be no significant steps forward in the
investigation, despite previous announcements by police that they
would accelerate the investigation. So far, dozens of people have been
interrogated, but no breakthrough has been registered in the case.
What has been clarified, however, is that Arayik’s Lada Niva car bears
a number plate beginning with two numbers, whereas authorities now say
that the Niva car spotted around the time of murder began with three
numbers. Investigators have ruled out that the plate could have been
replaced.

Arayik’s brother, Artak, 33, who was also detained, then released and
then detained again, is still in custody. He faces charges of
hooliganism, for allegedly partaking in a skirmish in Sept. 2012,
following Muradyan’s election victory.

Muradyan’s relatives held a demonstration near the main police
headquarter in Yerevan on Sept. 2, demanding that those responsible
for the Mayor’s murder be held accountable.

The Armenian Weekly will continue following this case closely.

http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/09/07/slow-progress-in-proshyan-murder-investigation/

Javakhk Diaspora head urges to abandon Brussels-promised illusions

Javakhk Diaspora head urges to abandon Brussels-promised illusions

September 7, 2013 – 15:46 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe session
is ongoing in Slovakian capital of Bratislava, with Armenia’s
political leaning towards either Russia or EU on the event agenda.

The head of the Javakhk Diaspora of Russia Aghasi Arabyan spoke at the
event, noting that Armenia’s decision will predetermine the fate of
the whole Armenian people for generations to come.

`With initialing of the Association Agreement at a Vilnius-hosted EU
Eastern Partnership summit in November as a priority issue, media
passions are running high, creating an illusion of population actually
supporting the progress. Whatever the Western-financed publications
and political experts might say, that doesn’t reflect the actual will
of people,’ he stressed.

According to Arabyan, if Armenia cannot follow both formats of the
economic integration at the same time, it would be much more
appropriate to weigh cons and pros before making loud statements about
the European illusion everyone is being forced to believe at present.

`Even now, promises of Euro 2 billion in investments are being
officered from Brussels – it being unclear who’ll be on the receiving
end. In any case, Armenian people will stay out of picture. An issue
that important should only be solved through a referendum,’ he said.

`The European Commission declared that Armenia’s income after the
signing of the agreement will soar by $146 million to amount 2.3% of
GDP, with imports and exports to grow by 15.2%, and 8% respectively.
Those figures are deceptive.

In 2012, the volume of imports to Armenia thrice exceeded that of
exports. If maintained further, this proportion will only lead to the
trade deficit balance, and therefore its deterioration.

Entering the free trade zone will remove the possibility of
independent economic ties with Moscow and Tehran. True, at present
over 2/3 of goods are imported to Armenia through Georgia, yet there’s
more statistical data to consult: by early 2013, Russia maintained
leadership in the overall investment in the economy of Armenia ($ 3.29
billion,) which is more than 40 per cent of the total annual
investment in Armenia’s economy, with France having invested three
times less.

We’re being promised Euro 2 billion, while even now we’re getting over
3 billion a year, with no one making a stir about it.

According to CBA data, $130 million in private investments has been
transferred to Armenia in April, with ongoing projects (Rosatom) where
the investment volume amount to approximately $5 billion.

The goals pursued by Europe through Eastern Partnership program are
clear enough: to Europe, cooperation with countries like Armenia is a
way to strengthen its economy after the 2008-2009 crisis. So Armenia’s
leadership has a choice: to get the money now and turn Armenia into a
satellite nation, while risking a loss of a partner upon whom not only
the country’s economy but also military and strategic safety depends,’
Arabyan concluded, urging to leave the crucial decision to the people
of Armenia.

Traian Hristea: DCFTA does not preclude Armenia to develop its econo

Traian Hristea: DCFTA does not preclude Armenia to develop its
economic relations with any other third party

ArmInfo’s interview with Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia,
Ambassador Traian Hristea. The interview was given before Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan said that Armenia is ready to join the
Customs Union, but it is still topical.

by Marianna Lazarian

Saturday, September 7, 16:43

Mr. Hristea, Armenia and the EU are expected to sign an Association
Agreement at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November
2013. What will be the next step of the Armenia-EU cooperation?

The EU and Armenia are expected to initial the Association Agreement
at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius in November 2013. Please
note this is not the same as signature. Initialling is a technical
step that confirms the agreement of both sides on substance.

To sign the Agreement, several procedural steps are necessary, among
them translation of the text in all the EU languages, and the Council
has to authorise the signature for the EU. This is an ambitious
agreement, it is therefore legally complex and the EU is now a Union
of 28 member states. Procedures do take time for all these reasons.

The EU hopes to provisionally apply parts of the Agreement (especially
the trade part) as soon as possible after the signing, before full
ratification procedures are completed. We want Armenia to benefit from
the agreement as soon as possible.

What projects is the European Union currently implementing in Armenia
and how effective are they?

Within the framework of the Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
(ENPI), the 2011-2013 National Indicative Programme (NIP) put 157
million at the disposal of Armenia to conduct a number of reforms in 3
main areas: Democratic structures and good governance; Trade,
investment and regulatory alignment; Socio-economic reform and
sustainable development.

In partnership with the Government as well as civil society, a number
of EU-funded projects are being implemented or have been recently
implemented in the following main areas:

1. Trade and DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area):

– The EU Advisory Group has successfully supported the DCFTA
negotiating team on the Armenian side which resulted in the
negotiations to be successfully concluded in a record time;

– Three successive Budget Support programmes in support of DCFTA
policy areas for a total amount of 69 million have started;

– The Comprehensive Institution Building (CIB) programme (33 million)
is supporting a number of Armenian public institutions through
technical assistance and Twinning projects in the areas of
Competition, Customs, Food safety, Consumer protection and
Intellectual Property Rights. These projects have brought forward
approximation to EU standards as well as institution building’s best
practices.

2. Justice:

A first phase of support to Justice Reforms (20 million in Budget
Support) has been successfully completed with the following results:
adoption of a Justice Reform Strategy 2012-2016, improvements in the
areas of independence of justice and corruption, access to justice,
advocacy and educational institutions (e.g. School of Advocates and
Justice School) as well as financial support to building and
renovation of court buildings (also supported by the World Bank).

A second Budget Support programme (29 million) is being discussed
with the Government at the moment with the specific aim to address the
independence of judges, to increase the quality of services to the
general public as well as to introduce alternative punishment systems
(in cooperation with the Council of Europe) and improvement of
detention conditions.

3. Elections:

– A project in support of elections in Armenia in 2012 and 2013
started in February 2012 to improve the technical and professional
capacities of election commissions, improve voter’s lists, build
capacity among civil society for professional domestic observation as
well as raise awareness of electoral rights and procedures. The
project is implemented by OSCE and a number of civil society
organisations through a contribution agreement. A project in support
of women’s active participation in local elections started in April
2012, implemented by UNDP to encourage women’s meaningful
participation in decision making and engage in a constructive dialogue
on gender with media and civil society.

4. Vocational Education Training (VET):

Our ongoing sector budget support programme (15 million) is achieving
good results. The support is now based on the Government’s `VET
Reforms Programme and Action Plan 2012-2015′ aiming to align the
Armenian VET system with the European professional standards, increase
the efficiency of the VET system, and further develop social
partnership in VET. Furthermore, the adoption of the National
Employment Strategy for 2013-2018, supported by the EU, clearly sets
the direction for linking the results of the VET reforms to the
changing requirements of the labour market.

5. Support to civil society and media:

– Two programmes for almost 3 million in support to civil society are
being launched (“Civil Society Facility” and “Support to good
governance and media”). They aim at strengthening the capacity of
Civil Society to intervene in policy formulation by better engaging in
policy dialogue with the government, public institutions and bodies.
They also aim at improving professionalism of media outlets towards
establishment of free and pluralistic media, as an instrument of
achieving good governance outcomes.

6. Infrastructure projects with the support of the Neighbourhood
Investment Fund (NIF), EIB and EBRD:

– Several ongoing projects include Metro Rehabilitation Project Phase
I and Phase II with two NIF grants of 5 million, Armenian Small
Municipalities Water Project with 7 million NIF grant, Kotayk Solid
Waste Management, which has been put on hold in anticipation of the
solid waste management strategy, Modernization of Bagratashen, Bavra
and Gogavan Border Crossing Points (MBBG) with a grant of 12 million,
North-South Corridor with another grant of 12 million, and Yerevan
Water with 5.5 million.

In its annual report for 2012, the European Union stressed the need to
decommission the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. What alternative to
decommissioning of the nuclear plant could the EU offer to Armenia?

The EU continues to request the earliest possible closure of Medzamor
nuclear power plant (NPP), as it cannot be upgraded to meet
internationally recognised nuclear safety standards. It is a matter of
concern that Armenia has not yet drawn up a detailed decommissioning
plan for Medzamor. Following the Fukushima nuclear accident, Armenia
undertook with the EU a comprehensive risk and safety assessment
(`nuclear stress test’) of the plant, the report of which will have to
be submitted soon.

The EU offers to Armenia support along with other development partners
to the development of alternative and renewable energy and improve
energy efficiency, notably through Programme such as INOGATE or other
major projects funded by the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF).

How effective are the on-going reforms in the system of justice in
Armenia? What flaws could you point at?

The Government of Armenia initiated a large-scale reform in the sphere
of justice that already resulted in some improvements, particularly
improvement of the implementation of court orders, ensuring
transparency of transactions by implementing a comprehensive
statistical system, providing a better service to the population and
improve access to the justice system.

Nonetheless, there is still substantial work to be done to restore the
trust of the population towards the courts and judges and the European
Union is currently discussing with the Government and civil society a
new Budget Support programme to further support progress in this
sector in order to improve the situation (particularly if we look to
indexes such as Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions
Index for Armenia), and address other concerns such as those related
to the independence of judges, as evidenced by an EU – Council of
Europe analysis of judicial reforms in Eastern Partnership countries
(see),
strict application of the law and court rulings or detention
conditions in prisons. In this respect capacity of law enforcement
bodies need to be developed.

The European Union will therefore support the Government in the
following priority actions:

– Introduction and implementation of clear-cut judicial independence
and anti-corruption programmes;

– Efficiency and accessibility of the justice sector by improving
cooperation between all the stakeholders, by setting up proper
training for advocates, judges and prosecutors and by increasing the
quality of the judicial process in the first instance courts;

– Revision of the Criminal Code and promotion of alternative
punishment systems to decrease the level of incarcerated persons in
line with international standards; improving detention conditions;

– Increasing the quality of services to the public and businesses in
the areas of arbitration, notarisation and civil registration;

Nowadays Armenia is often urged to choose between the Eurasian Union
and the European Union. Do you think Armenia can participate in the
two integration projects simultaneously? If not, then what do you
think might hinder it?

In general, there is no conflict between increasing links with the EU
and links with the Russian Federation and organisations in which the
Russia plays an important role. Armenia can freely participate in the
CIS multilateral free trade agreement and at the same time to conclude
negotiations on the Association Agreement with the EU.

At the same time, we have to make a distinction between Free trade
agreements and a Customs Union. Within any Customs Union, a country
surrenders its sovereignty over its trade policy, including the
management of its import duties, and other elements, such as
regulatory framework.

We have said on numerous occasions that the DCFTA does not preclude
Armenia to develop its economic relations with any other third party
and we understand the importance of other markets than the EU for
Armenia’s trade. There is nothing wrong in seeking an establishment of
close trade and economic relations between Armenia and the Customs
Union.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its desire to change the format of
the OSCE Minsk Group, which, it says, has run its course. What do you
think of this initiative? Is the European Union ready to become a
mediator in the Karabakh peace process?

The European Union is not party to the official mediation efforts on
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The EU supports the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs, namely France, Russia and the USA in their efforts to help
the parties find a solution.

In support of efforts towards peace, the EU conducts regular political
dialogue with both partner countries, and has also appointed the EU
Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in
Georgia, Ambassador Phillipe Lefort.

The EU stands ready to provide enhanced support for confidence
building measures, in support of and in full complementarity with the
Minsk Group, with a view to facilitating further steps towards the
implementation of peace

From: Baghdasarian

http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=13675870-17BB-11E3-9C1B0EB7C0D21663
http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/cooperation/capacitybuilding/source/judic_reform/Project_report_final.pdf

Armenia, Ukraine face similar problems: expert

Armenia, Ukraine face similar problems: expert

September 7, 2013 – 12:39 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenia’s intention to join the Customs Union
resembled the situation in Ukraine, a political analyst said.

`On the one hand, both countries are bound with Russia. On the other
hand, both are strongly attracted by the European values, or at least
say so. In both countries, the public opinion is divided, some
standing for close cooperation with Russia and some striving for
Europe. Furthermore, both countries are under pressure of Russia and
European Union, each trying to tip the scale,’ Mikhail Beletskiy said.

According to him, unilateral orientation to the West or Russia can
result in serious losses. `For Ukraine, it can be a complete collapse
of economy. Armenia can face even a greater loss if Nagorno Karabakh
is transferred to a hostile neighbor state. Under the circumstances,
Armenia could nothing but strengthen the union with Russia, which is
its own real ally in the region,’ the expert said.

`As a result, Ukraine and Armenia, although still trying to pursue a
two-vector policy, have chosen different paths. Ukraine preferred the
European Union as the main direction, with some limited cooperation
with the CIS member states while Armenia is headed for Russia. Time
will show which of the decision was right,’ he said, according to
AnalitikaUA.net.

Armenia completed technical talks on a `deep and comprehensive
free-trade agreement’ (DCFTA) with the EU in July and it was set to be
signed at a summit with the EU in late November.

In addition to a free-trade deal, Armenia has been working towards the
signing of an association agreement with the EU, a framework agreement
on co-operation that is seen as a first step towards political
integration with the EU.

During a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian
leader Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs Union,
with further plans to be involved in formation of EurAsEC.

Putin supported the initiative, voicing readiness to assist Armenia in
the process. He also noted that Russian Railways may invest 15 billion
rubles in development of Armenia’s railway network.

The Customs Union was formed in 2010 to include of Belarus,
Kazakhstan, and Russia; Kirghizia and Tajikistan later expressed
willingness to join the Union.

The reaction of European officials continues to be diverse.

When in St. Petersburg to attend the G20 summit, European Council
President Herman Van Rompuy said that Armenia, Moldova, and, if
possible, Ukraine will hopefully sign the Association Agreement at the
Vilnius Summit in November 2013.

`This is a political agreement. The Agreement would allow Armenia to
go through comprehensive change both politically and economically.
Therefore, after getting the news about Armenia’s plans of joining the
Custom’s Union the EU expects to hear from Armenia what her further
plans are. We have not received official explanations from Armenia,
yet we don’t think this is a zero sum game and the same refers to
Ukraine. Some benchmarks will be necessary to meet. There are some
outstanding issues but we hope to see results in Vilnius. We are still
engaged with these countries and still expect to sign the Association
Agreements,’ he said.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Stefan Fule, the European Commissioner for
Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, said that the European
Parliament is not going to initialize either the Associated Agreement
or the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with Armenia, as it’s
not compatible with membership in the Customs Union.

Armenian NGOs adopt statement about the acts of intimidation towards

Armenian NGOs adopt statement about the acts of intimidation towards
Armenian civic activists

by Emmanuil Lazarian

Saturday, September 7, 16:06

Over 30 Armenian NGOs have adopted a statement about the acts of
intimidation towards Armenian civic activists.

The statement says, “On September 5, 2013 around 22:10-22:20, in the
neighborhood of Koghbatsi Street of Yerevan, a few steps away from the
RA State Revenue Committee, near his garage Haykak Arshamyan, Project
Coordinator of Yerevan Press Club, and Suren Saghatelyan, Board member
of Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center, were brutally
attacked by 6-7 unknown men. Haykak Arshamyan and Suren Saghatelyan
were hospitalized with severe injuries, contusion and fractures. The
two civic activists are public figures and carry out their social
activities within a legal framework.

Yerevan Press Club and Transparency International Anti-Corruption
Center are actively involved in the activities of the Eastern
Partnership Civil Society Forum. Haykak Arshamyan during the last two
days largely participated in the civic protests against the
announcement made by Serzh Sargsyan in Moscow regarding Armenia’s
decision to join the Customs Union, which took place in front of the
RA presidential residence and the headquarters of the Republican Party
of Armenia.

We, the undersigned, assess the attack as an act of intimidation aimed
at all those, who have raised a voice of protest against the Armenian
authorities, including NGOs, independent media, public figures and
active citizens. We consider this to be a consequence of the
prevailing climate of impunity in Armenia, human rights violations,
selective law enforcement, the usual practice of political
prosecution, the manifestation of which we have also witnessed during
the recent days, as repressions were used against activists protesting
the controversial construction work at Komitas Street 5 and in front
of the Yerevan municipality.

We declare that the full responsibility for this act of intimidation
falls on the authorities of Armenia, particularly the law enforcement
bodies. If this crime is not solved as soon as possible, it will allow
us to declare that this act of violence is directly sponsored by the
Armenian authorities.

We urge the civil society and all the free citizens to remain strong,
not to retreat before the hired thugs and their patrons, to continue
the struggle for their personal rights and freedoms.

As of now the statement is signed by: “Asparez” Journalists’ Club,
Yerevan Press Club, “Protection Of Consumers’ Rights” NGO, Eurasia
Partnership Foundation, Media Initiatives Center (Formerly Internews
Armenia), Open Society Foundations-Armenia, Media Diversity
Institute-Armenia, “Shirak Center” NGO, “We Plus” NGO, “Arena For
Education” NGO, Martuni Women’s Community Council NGO, Armenian
Helsinki Committee, “Trtu” NGO, Urban Foundation For Sustainable
Development, “Victims Of State Needs” NGO, National Citizen’s
Initiative NGO, Civic Initiatives Support Center NGO, Children’s
Support Foundation, Civic Forum NGO, Regional Studies Center NGO,
Committee To Protect Freedom Of Expression, “Democracy And Electoral
Processes” NGO, “Farmers’ Movement” NGO, Vanadzor Branch Of Helsinki
Citizens Assembly, Protection Of Rights Without Borders, Harmonic
Society – Armenian Association Of Social Workers, “Rule Of Law” NGO,
Urbanlab Yerevan Architect’s Lab, Women’s’ Resource Center, Social And
Cultural Innovation Lab Charitable Foundation (Skilfound), “Free
University” Foundation, “Khoranard” Intellectual Center, “Biosophia”
Health, Environmental And Agriculture, Development Center, Shirak
Branch Of Sakharov Armenian Center, For Human Rights Protection,
“Journalists For The Future” NGO

The statement is open for signatures.

þ487E10-17B5-11E3-9C1B0EB7C0D21663

http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid

Resuming railway communication via Abkhazia has serious risks – Geor

Resuming railway communication via Abkhazia has serious risks –
Georgian Security Council chief

September 07, 2013 | 13:34

Resuming railway communication via Abkhazia has serious risks that,
`come from Russia and the blockade of the territory of Georgia,’ said
Secretary Giga Bokeria of the National Security Council of Georgia.

He commented on Armenian National Security Council Secretary Arthur
Baghdasaryan’s statement that Russia, Georgia, and Abkhazia have
consented to the opening of the Abkhazian section of the railway.

Bokeria expressed a hope that the Georgian authorities would not make
a basic mistake and cause damage to Georgia’s economy.

He noted that the implementation of the current Kars-Akhalkalaki
railway project – between Turkey and Georgia – is of Georgia’s strategic
interest, reports Gruzia Online news agency of Georgia.

To note, Abkhazia had expressed its surprise over Arthur
Baghdasaryan’s aforementioned statement, and it had noted that the
topic, with respect to opening a through railway via Abkhazia, was not
raised for a long time.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: Baghdasarian

Current inflation in Armenia is highest in past 2 years – economist

Current inflation in Armenia is highest in past 2 years – economist

September 07, 2013 | 13:15

YEREVAN. – The inflation rate in Armenia was 9.3 percent in August
2013, which is the highest inflation rate recorded in the country in
the past two years.

Economist Samvel Avagyan stated the abovementioned during a press
conference on Saturday.

As per Avagyan, the last time when a higher inflation rate was
registered in Armenia was in March 2011, with 11.5 percent.

The economist stated that the product groups which most caused
inflation in the country this year are fruits – with a 25-percent price
increase – , vegetables and potatoes (32%), and communal housing
services (19.1%).

The prices of bread, dairy and meat products, and medication likewise
have soared.

According to Avagyan, however, in the case when official statistics
show a 4.7-percent growth in agriculture, such high double-digit price
increase in fruits and vegetables is not justified.

`There are statistical discrepancies here,’ Samvel Avagyan concluded.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Armenia expects unprecedented wheat harvest – Agriculture Ministry

Armenia expects unprecedented wheat harvest – Agriculture Ministry

September 07, 2013 | 12:23

YEREVAN. – In line with data by the National Statistical Service, the
total crop sowing areas in Armenia made up 17.8529 hectares in 2013,
as compared to the 17.1816 hectares in the year past.

About 92 percent of the sowing areas were reaped and the gross yields
totaled 491,000 tons.

The average yield is 29.8 c/ha, against the 26.5 c/ha of last year. A
total of 530,000-535,000 tons of gross yield is expected this year, as
compared to the 456,100 tons in the year past.

The wheat sowing areas constituted 99,708 hectares this year, against
93,476 hectares in 2012.

About 93 percent of the wheat sowing areas were reaped and the wheat
yields totaled 285,000 tons.

The average wheat yield is 30.6 c/ha, against the 25.9 c/ha of last
year. A total of 305,000-310,000 tons of wheat yield is expected this
year, as compared to the 243,100 tons in the year past.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: Baghdasarian

Armenian PM still silent on Customs Union matter – newspaper

Armenian PM still silent on Customs Union matter – newspaper

September 07, 2013 | 08:18

YEREVAN. – Considering Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan’s
earlier statements on the Customs Union, Haykakan Zhamanak daily had
forwarded a set of questions to the government several days ago, the
daily reports.

`[But] they have not yet responded to the queries as to whether the PM
is prepared to hand in his resignation, how the PM comments on the
contradiction between the statements Armenian senior officials made in
the past and [President Serzh] Sargsyan’s [recent] announcement made
in Moscow, and whether the [Armenia-]EU Association Agreement can
still be initialed in Vilnius, [Lithuania, where the Eastern
Partnership summit will be held in November],’ Haykakan Zhamanak
writes.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Armenia’s negative balance of trade with CIS countries is more than

Armenia’s negative balance of trade with CIS countries is more than
double with that of Europe

September 07, 2013 | 11:28

YEREVAN. – The volume of Armenia’s trade with CIS and EU countries was
virtually the same last year, with the difference being a mere $13
million

But the import and export volumes differed quite substantially.

Armenia’s negative balance of foreign trade with EU countries made up
$564,700,000, whereas that with CIS countries comprised
$1,001,200,000.

To note, natural gas being supplied to Armenia accounts for more than
half of the volume of goods that are imported from Russia. And the
latter is the leading from among the countries of the CIS, as the
trading partner of Armenia.

The prices likewise impact the liveliness of the volume of foreign
trade. If we take December 2007 as basis, the prices changes in
December of last year were as follows:

The prices went up in CIS countries by 19.2 percent and 9.5 percent in
imports and exports, respectively. In the case of EU countries, the
average import prices rose by 21.9 percent, whereas export prices
reduced by 19.2 percent.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am