The Nagorno Karabakh’s involvement in the Customs Union might only be possible after Armenia’s recognition of the Republic, Russia’s ex-envoy to Armenia said.
As Vyacheslav Kovalenko noted during a Yerevan-Moscow spacebridge, “at present, Armenia believes that the NKR recognition might be a provocative step, as well as prompt Azerbaijan to start a new war.”
“I believe, Russia, continuing to promote a regional peace, won’t take a radical stance on this issue,” the envoy said, according to Novosti-Armenia.
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.
