EU UNLIKELY TO OFFER CONCESSIONS TO ARMENIA – OPPOSITION MP
12:28 06.09.13
Vahagn Khachatryan of the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC)
says he doesn’t expect the European Union to meet Armenia half-way in
the wake of the president’s recent statement expressing the country’s
support to the Customs Union.
Speaking to Tert.am, the politician noted that Europe is not absolutely
ready for such a concession.
“We must definitely expect serious developments. The important question
is whether or not it is necessary to begin the negotiations on November
29 [when Armenia is expected to initial the Association Agreement in
Vilnius, Lithuania]. I think the Armenian side is quite likely to sign
a document with the Europeans, but not of course an economic one,”
he said.
Asked to what extent membership in the Eurasian Customs Union is
compatible with the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area deal,
the opposition MP hesitated to make any clear remark. “I don’t think
anyone can say today to what extent they are compatible. It is better
to ask that to people who are members of those unions, given especially
that no one has seen the documents. We have to wait with patience
to see what response the Armenian authorities will give to the EU
representatives and what response will be made by the EU,” he added.
As to whether the Customs Union may restrict Armenia’s opportunities
for a free trade, Khachatryan said he doesn’t such scenario likely.
“To the best of my knowledge, there are no restrictions in case of
[a membership in] the Customs Union. One the other hand, conflicting
remarks are being heard by different European officials, some saying
compatibility is possible, with others ruling it out. That is why I
say no one can give a clear answer today, except the representatives
of those two organizations who know their charters and all the
arrangements,” he explained.
Commenting on future developments, the politician said they will
depend on Europe’s decision which will be by all means a political
one. “Whatever Europe decides, that must be a political decision, not
something in the economic domain. This is why [FM] Edward Nalbandian
is in Brussels. Besides, a meeting is taking place with the Europeans
next week to address the topic,” he noted.
Asked whether Russia will allow the compatibility option (in the
light of possible pressures), Khachatryan answered that the country
has never been known for its unpredictable steps in that connection.
“Russia’s step was absolutely predictable given that the Customs
Union is a political rather than an economic issue for it. So we
were supposed to comply with the decisions of Russia, i.e – to make
a political decision. But economically, I cannot say to what extent
they are compatible; they must be, from the point of view of Russia,”
he added.
At the end, the opposition MP warned against any attempts of
identifying Armenia’s membership process with that of Ukraine. “It is
necessary to distinguish things in between. Russia created serious
problems for Ukraine because there is a very big quantity of goods
exported to Russia from Ukraine. So the rationale is that the market
will face problems; Armenia is not that kind of country. Other
principles have to be applied here; there is no common standard,”
Khachatryan explained.
Armenian News – Tert.am