Experts discuss Armenia’s choice of Customs Union

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in Russia ten days ago that Armenia will join the Customs Union. Russian and Armenian experts gathered to discuss the choice between the Customs Union and development of integration within the framework of the Eastern Partnership. A summit will be organized for the latter in Vilnius in November 2013.

Alexander Skakov, coordinator of the working group of the Center for Studies of Central Asia, Caucasus, Ural-Volga of the Institute for Oriental Studies of the RAS, said that both choices lacked road maps and there were no visible prospects for appearance of any.

Vyacheslav Kovalenko, Russian Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Georgia and Armenia (2009-2013), Director for regional programs of the Institute for Caspian Cooperation, emphasized that both sides had political will and there were no obstacles for development of a road map in Russia. He noted that Russia needed to integrate Armenia with regions and small business to boost the agricultural reform.

Kovalenko said that many Armenians were living in Russia’s South and will most likely study in Yerevan, a city suitable for opening a branch of the MSU. Armenia has only 100 centers offering free lessons of the Russian language.

Alexander Markarov, Director of the Armenian branch of the Institute of CIS States, said that joining the Customs Union would strengthen economic and military cooperation with Armenia. Russia is the main investor in Armenia. Small and medium business would get benefits. The humanitarian field of Armenia would benefit from the MSU branch.

Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Institute for the Caucasus, said that the decision to join the Customs Union was political. He noted the role of Russian business in Armenia and popularity of the Russian language, but he reminded that there were still problems with Georgia.

Skakov said that restoration of railway communications were a matter of recognition of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. They are more likely to be recognized by Brussels than Georgia. Skakov noted another project: the road from Vladikavkaz to Tbilisi to bypass the two breakaway republics.

Iskandaryan emphasized that Armenia will need to make the choice in autumn. Armenia cooperated with the US, Iran, Georgia and Russia and could not step over the security problem.