Javakhk Diaspora head urges to abandon Brussels-promised illusions

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.