Armenian communists hail country’s upcoming accession to Russia-led Customs Union
11.09.2013,
13:55
The Communist Party of Armenia welcomed today president Serzh Sargsyan’s decision to make the country a member of the Russian-led Customs Union. The first secretary of the Communist Party, Ruben Tovmasyan, described the move as ‘revolutionary.’
YEREVAN, September 11. /ARKA/. The Communist Party of Armenia welcomed today president Serzh Sargsyan’s decision to make the country a member of the Russian-led Customs Union. The first secretary of the Communist Party, Ruben Tovmasyan, described the move as ‘revolutionary.’
“The Communist Party of Armenia hails the outcome of the meeting of Armenian and Russian presidents in Moscow September 3 and finds it a historic and revolutionary decision in Armenia’s newest history. Armenian Communists have always stood side by side with Russia," Tovmasyan said at a press conference on Wednesday.
He argued that this decision will in the first place boost the security of the Armenian people who live in what he called ‘bad geopolitical environment.’
The surprise announcement came after September 3 talks between Armenian and Russian presidents in Moscow. “I confirmed Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union and participate in the processes of formation of the Eurasian economic union,” Sargsyan said in his September 3 statement, relating to his Moscow visit. “It’s a rational decision and it is in the interests of Armenia.”
Before that Armenia was expected to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union after almost four years of intensive talks.
According to the chief Armenian Communist, Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union will also contribute to the industrial development of Armenia.
On Tuesday Armenia’s foreign minister Edward Nalbandian said Yerevan was ready to continue deepening its relations with the European Union as long as that does not run counter to its anticipated accession to the Customs Union. Earlier EU enlargement commissioner Stefan Fuele said after talks with Nalbandian that the Association Agreement with Armenia was unlikely to be finalized at an Eastern Partnership summit scheduled for late November in Vilnius, Lithuania. Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt likewise stated on Monday that the accord was s “now off the table.” -0-
