The ruling party MP is surprised, the opposition is happy, the head of extra-parliamentary political force us concerned
“In general, yes, there could be such a gathering, but in this case, it should be especially emphasized that Armenia does not participate for such-and-such reason, because everyone perceives it as the meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union member states”, said the Head of the Armenia’s Democratic Party Aram Sargsyan in the conversation with “Aravot”, referring to yesterday’s and today’s meeting-discussions in Astana between Vladimir Putin, Nursultan Nazarbayev and Alexander Lukashenko.
The official website of the Kremlin details on the meeting, “The parties intend to discuss the prospects for the development of trade between the three countries and the Eurasian integration process, given the effect of the modern trends to the world economy.” In addition, the leaders of the three countries plan to discuss bilateral trade-related issues and the situation in Ukraine. Today, Putin-Nazarbayev bipartite meeting is planned.
The upcoming meeting of the presidents of Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia has nothing to do with Armenia, yesterday explained Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan explaining why the Armenian delegation’s attendance at this meeting is not envisaged. Later, it also revealed that Armenia was not even invited. “If we were invited, we would discuss the possibility of participation,” continued Shavarsh Kocharyan.
Read also
Head of the Democratic Party Aram Sargsyan who is in favor of Armenia’s accession to the EaEU believes that definitely the President of Armenia’s participation in such meetings shall take place regardless of the agenda. “Whatever issues were discussed between the Trio, they should definitely refer to Armenia. If not, it turns out that there is a sector or sectors where Armenia’s involvement in the implemented programs is not envisaged,” says our interlocutor, adding that Armenia’s authorities should clearly state that such things are inappropriate. “There are no issues related to Armenia” is not an explanation at all.” Aram Sargsyan considers this an expression of some hierarchy. However, he recommends looking for the reasons inside. “Armenia itself should have a position and posture to reckon with it. Armenia’s economic situation, the dependence on international agencies, particularly the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, is increasing day by day, and the practice shows that Armenia is subject to these structures, is of great importance. All the events happened in Armenia are seriously examined there and an appropriate treatment is formed. The RA government policy does not provide grounds to say that the real changes will take place in Armenia, which will contribute to the enhancement of the status of Armenia. While everyone in the outer world looks at the status the partner presents. Armenia’s status does not correspond.”
Aram Sargsyan also calls attention to the fact of who from the Armenian side and how presents Armenia in the EaEU. “Let’s leave the president, but the staff of the Armenian representation does not meet their needs. They do not understand who can sit at the table and what to discuss, how they are prepared. They should have thought when doing steps. There is a problem of an elementary free communication. If you do not speak the language, you cannot interact with people and form relationships and so on. Such things that seem minor leave a very serious impact. You should be offended only of yourself, as you do not present yourself accordingly.”
NA member of Foreign Affairs Tevan Poghosyan voted against Armenia’s joining the EaEU Treaty at the Parliament and has always been of the opinion that the EaEU plan will not happen and will be a failure. He considers the meeting of the Trio hosted in Astana in this framework. Moreover, he hopes that this will become a good signal for official Yerevan to understand that it is necessary to be guided by own interests and continue keep moving towards the European integration. Note that the next European Union summit will be held in May in Riga. Various Euro-officials already announce about the possibilities of clarification of the Armenia-EU relations. “Should we become a member of a club, where we are not invited to the meetings, I don’t know on what basis, and discuss economic issues, we allegedly had joined an economic club, in this sense, I am happy to some extent. From now on, Armenia can be guided by its interests and solve its problems,” said Tevan Poghosyan. This, according to the opposition MO, is one of the evidences of non-establishment of the Eurasian Union, which enables Armenia to follow its long-term interests towards the European integration.
NA Republican MP Hamlet Harutyunyan cannot comment on the issue in depth, as he is not familiar with the summit in Astana and the obtained agreements. But he is surprised that they had “gathered and Armenia is not there.” To the question of why Armenia is not invited, the ruling party MP expects to hear the answer soon from the “high officials”. Now, he is sure that Armenia’s membership to the EaEU was correctly chosen path. The fact that the transfers from Russia to Armenia have been significantly reduced starting from January of this year, the ruling party MP does not view it as a defeat by Armenia, as the government promises that our countries membership to the EaEU will positively affect the country’s economy are not fulfilled. “These promises will soon come true if the domestic economic situation in Russia is stabilized,” said he suggesting approaching the situation with understanding.
“Just our luck!” said our interlocutor half-jokingly. To the question that if the sanctions against Russia are continued, so whether we are going to live worse, he said, “Now, it is so. However, we must look at the situation real and explain it with our being wrong that we have entered the Eurasian Union. There are objective and subjective reasons. We have just entered, it will be difficult in the beginning until these problems are settled down.”
Nelly GRIGORYAN
