The connection between Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Armenia’s intention to join the Customs Union (CU) is see almost in all of the circles. Will Putin’s visit speed up the process of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union, and will Russia’s President’s visit comes to prove the contrary to all claims activated recently within the framework of an expert that it is also possible for Armenia not to join the Customs Union. To this point, the opinions of political scientists almost coincide.
In response to the above question raised by Aravot.am, political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan replied, “Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union was accelerated due to the decision, which the presidents of Armenia and Russia have already had the chance to discuss. And if there are technical issues as well, which need fixing, they will be considered in the framework of this visit. Putin’s visit will focus on more general developments regarding the EU-RF competition intensification, as well as will specify RF-RA stances. As for the issue of Russia’s victory, then, at least, the perception of it is not just for the countries of Western Europe. There is a competition within Europe, too. ”
Political scientist Yervand Bozoyan believes that Putin’s visit to Armenia will speed up the process of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union and notes, “Putin’s last visited to Armenia was in 2006, then in 2008, when he was not already the president. In fact, he had not visited Armenia for 7 years, which many were considering not logical. Armenia and RF are strategic partners, the President of the Republic of Armenia visits Moscow many times a years, and Putin – does not. So, Putin’s visit is related to the process of Armenia’s European integration, which was raising dissatisfaction with Moscow. So, Putin’s visit will speed up the process of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union.”
Yervand Bozoyan does not think the matter here is about Russia’s victory and details, “The victory was easy with Armenia because Armenia’s entire security, economic, ans particularly energy system is dependent on Russia, we have unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia receives from Russia transfers of one budget size.” According to Bozoyan, Armenia faced either-or choice when the authorities of Armenia violating the balance began “to move towards Europe in a more radical way.” In particular, he noted, “For a long time, the authorities of Armenia were able to keep the balance, but in the last two or three years when they decided to improve relations with Europe, it infuriated Moscow, and Armenia faced the problem of either-or. Armenia did not have resources anymore to resist the demands of Russia and was forced to make a decision to join the Customs Union.”
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Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
