Russian, Armenian leaders to discuss Customs Union, Karabakh in MoscowSeptember 2, 2013 - 16:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The prospects of the Armenia-Russia cooperation within Customs Union and Unified Economic Space will be discussed during the September 3 Moscow-hosted meeting between both countries’ leaders, Russian President’s aide said. “Development of international processes in the CIS, multilateral cooperation within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will be discussed, as well as provision of stability in Transcaucasia, including the Karabakh conflict settlement efforts,” Yuri Ushakov said. Earlier, Armenian as well as foreign experts were tying to forecast the agenda of a meeting between Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin. Some believed that the Armenian leader was expected to pick between the Customs Union and EU Associated Membership, choosing between Russia and Europe. Thus, Sargsyan will have to persuade Putin that the economic element of the Association Agreement won’t lead to changes in the military and political sector of cooperation. Other experts believe the Karabakh conflict settlement in the light of the oncoming presidential election in Azerbaijan to become the key issue of the meeting agenda. The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). |