Armenia’s CU accession roadmap to be ready by late Nov.: Russian official

PanARMENIAN.Net - Possibility for Armenia and Kirgizstan’s joining the Custom Union was discussed at a Bishkek-hosted meeting, the Russian presidential adviser for regional and economic integration said.

According to Sergey Glazyev, technical details of the process must be studied within 2 months, with a roadmap for Kirgizstan’s involvement in the CU to be readied before the yearend.

“The roadmap for Armenia’s accession to the Union will be prepared by the end of November,” he noted.

In conclusion, Glazyev expressed hope that the countries in question will already be the CU member states when time comes for the next stage of integration – Eurasian Economic Union, Novaya Politika web magazine said.

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.

However, during a Sept 3 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian leader Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs Union, with further plans to be involved in formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. Mr. Putin supported the initiative, vowing procedural assistance to Armenia.

A memorandum on deepening cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and the Republic of Armenia was signed in Yerevan on Wednesday, November 6. The document to serve as a basis for Armenia’s joining the Customs Union was signed by EEC chairman Viktor Khristenko and Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan.

As Belarusian President Lukashenko recently told CIS media leaders, Azerbaijan’s opinion needs to be considered in admitting Armenia to the Russia-led Customs Union. “Armenia has an unresolved territorial issue with Azerbaijan, so we have to consider the latter’s opinion,” he said.

However, as the board chair of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Viktor Khristenko noted, Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union will promote the Karabakh conflict settlement.