Poll finds about 60 percent of Armenian citizens would like their country to join Russia-led Eurasian economic union
10.09.2014,
15:22
A recent public opinion poll conducted by Gallup International has found that about 60 percent of Armenian citizens would like their country to join the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union that will replace the Customs Union from January 1, 2015.
YEREVAN, September 10. /ARKA/. A recent public opinion poll conducted by Gallup International has found that about 60 percent of Armenian citizens would like their country to join the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union that will replace the Customs Union from January 1, 2015.
The poll conducted on August 8-17 involved 1,067 men and women of all ages in the capital Yerevan and all the regions.
Asked whether they consider Armenia's accession to the Customs Union desirable some 21 percent said a definite ‘yes’", while another 36 percent said ‘rather yes’ and 15 percent ‘rather no.’ Twelve percent said a definite ‘no,’ and 15 percent were undecided.
Presenting these findings Aram Navasardyan, Gallup International Association’s representative in Armenia, said the previous poll conducted in April 2013, had found that about 70 percent of Armenian citizens considered their country’s membership in the Customs Union ‘desirable.’
The drop, according to Navasardyan, is explained by the delay of Armenia's membership in the Customs Union, as well as by Kazakh president Nursultan Nazarbayev’s argument that Armenia should join the Customs Union within its borders recognized by the UN, that is, without Nagorno-Karabakh.
Asked whether Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union would have a positive impact on the economy 40 percent said it would, 19% were undecided, 15% of respondents expect it to soar prices, 12 percent fear that the economic situation in Armenia will worsen, 11 percent hope that the prices will drop, while 17 percent believe that nothing will change.
In response to a question whether Armenia should join the Russia-led trade bloc without Nagorno-Karabakh 6 percent said a definite ‘yes,’ 17 percent ‘rather yes” and 21 percent said a definite ‘no.” Some 43 percent said ‘no,’ and 14 percent were undecided.
On September 3 the final version of the agreement on Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union was sent to the governments of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia for their approval.
The Eurasian Economic Commission said the date of the signing will be set by the four countries’ leaders. -0-
