ARMENIA’S MEMBERSHIP IN CUSTOMS UNION TO REDUCE TURNOVER WITH EU: GERMAN AMBASSADOR
YEREVAN, October 24. /ARKA/. Armenia’s membership in the Customs Union
will lead to reduction in turnover with the EU countries, Germany’s
ambassador to Armenia Reiner Morell said Thursday at a conference on
responsible finance in Armenia.
He said the EU-member countries will accept Armenia’s decision as a
sovereign one, not clarifying though what consequences it may have.
“We regret Armenia is moving towards membership in the customs union
not for increasing trade volumes. Apart from that, the country will
have no opportunity to take the advantage of tariffs and preferences
that the EU can provide”, the ambassador said.
Morel stressed the importance of carrying through the cooperation
planned, despite the fact many provisions will have to be revised. At
the same time, according to the ambassador, the document will not be
materialized at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius.
According to Morel, of six Eastern partnership countries only Moldova,
Ukraine and Georgia will sing the agreement.
Armenia said it intends to cooperate with the Customs Union and,
at the same time, keep its contacts with other partners, and the EU
will continue the cooperation if potential fields are pointed to,
Morel said.
The diplomat also stressed the need for reviewing compatibility of
interests and understanding the legal basis of relations.
The EU is willing to continue cooperation with Armenia, especially
when Armenia have already started implementing reforms, Morel said.
According to ArmStat, Armenia’s foreign trade turnover with
the EU countries amounted to a total of $1,059.18 million
in January-August 2013, an increase of 1.6% compared to
the same period of the year before. -0– – See more at: