The future of Armenia and Karabakh is in European integration
When there are opinions that Serzh Sargsyan’s statement on September 3 in Moscow regarding joining the Customs Union was not a sudden decision made in one day and under pressures, to some extent, is true. Internal pressures are quite intensive, both before the decision in Moscow, and even today.
Recently, David Shahnazaryan, in the interview with Ukrainian “Zerkalo nedeli” online, speaking about the decition of Armenia joining the CU and the reasons caused by, said that Moscow has some leverage of pressure in the political arena of Armenia, -“There are such political forces in our country, such as the “Prosperous Armenia” party, ARF party, the Armenian National Congress and others who work in the interests of Russia.”
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Let’s remember as to what attack was carried out by Russian affected different figures in press clubs and interviews, surely not by chance, but targeted, at first they rescuing Armenia from Europe, then a “warmth” was observed towards Nagorno-Karabakh.
The security of NK is maintained by the Armenian soldier, no matter how geopolitical rearrangements would be for this or that side, there is one thing undeniable that the only security guarantor and defender of Artsakh are NKR and Armenia based on the universal values and chosen the path of European development.
A few days ago, during the transmission “Urvagits” of “Kentron” TV, the ANC vice-chairman Levon Zurabyan said,- “Do you know what is the Customs Union or the Association Agreement, DCFTA agreement? The problem is this that actually people are making judgments about the processes, but have absolutely no idea of their essence, nor of the consequences of signing.” According to ilur.am site, he has also added, “For 4 years, they were negotiating on Euro Association agreement, have spent a lot of money, the officials were saying that we will make very serious dividends, they have awakened some hopes, and then, during a meeting, it becomes clear that in fact the entire program came into conflict with Russia’s interests, it intimidates us with security issues, it could affect Karabakh, and changes the course of Armenia in 180 degree.”
Are still not existing structure of Putin and EU united market compatible things? Is this the case that requires publicizing of the documents by pointing out at Karabakh when it is clear that the EU Association Agreement assumes application of the European legislation and a unique opportunity for Armenia to enter the EU market? Simply, it is sad that the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh is an “excuse” to carry out change of the government and maintain the power (like the supporters of Ter-Petrosyan
were insisting after the change of government in 1998), or “the most telling” argument to maintain Armenia under the influence of Russia.
The important thing is that karakhanyans remain satisfied. Now we can assume that Karabakh is already in reliable hands. “It is the task of professional and serious economists to find out, to calculate the possibilities opened for Armenia with this agreement, and the constraints put firth before Armenia. This should be considered strongly. Without it is done, I can not give any assessments,”- said Ter-Petrosyan in his recent speech avoiding giving specific evaluation regarding the decision to join the Customs Union.
Although, a lot of studies are recently published about RF’s tragic economic situation, decline of country’s standard of living, however, they are unlikely to enjoy the ANC’s attention. We believe that exclusively Smbat Karakhanyan can help the ANC in this matter, who once a week was giving interviews and explaining as to what evil is expected to Armenia if we refused to Eurasian integration processes and sign the EU Association Agreement. “If Armenia is signing such an agreement in such a situation, the RF is forced to make drastic steps in order to protect its domestic market. This refers to both Armenia and Ukraine, and Moldova. The officials are openly talking about it, so do the Russian authorities, all of them. I am definitely saying that it is the RF government’s opinion, which is a dangerous situation for Armenia,”- said Karakhanyan recently in an interview with “1in.am”.
Afterwards, he expressed a a remarkable idea,- “If Armenia wished to be in the composition of the Customs Union, the RF would be interested in all possible and impossible ways to solve the issue of land corridor. This issue is there, but it is not voiced at the official level, but RF has certain projects, the matter is about different ways. This is missing in official positions, because it was a matter of the future, the RF would have solved the problem, if Armenia had chosen the direction of integration. I’m not saying that this issue will be resolved tomorrow, but the issue was raised. We understand that it’s not easy. But it does not make sense, because Armenia has made its choice and should decide on its ways. Today, I expect an answer to a few questions as to what will be the status of Karabakh and Nakhichevan, and Armenia’s economic situation.”
It remains to wait for the answers to all the questions raised by the karakhanyans not only presenting in the nearest future, but also heralding the Armenian society about the news and decisions on pro-Armenian and patriotic motivations of Moscow.
Emma GABRIELYAN
