YEREVAN. – Armenia’s ruling circles are joyful in connection with the Ukrainian authorities’ recent decision to suspend the preparations for the signing of the European Union Association Agreement, 168 Zham daily reports. 

“Their [i.e., the Armenian authorities’] enthusiasm is based on the delusion of comforting their own inability with the Ukrainians’ failure.

“The meaning of this consolation is that even Ukraine, which has a population of 46 million, was unable to withstand Russia’s pressure and [therefore] it withdrew from association with Europe in a more disgraceful manner than much smaller and poorer Armenia [had withdrawn].  

“[But] the justification of our [i.e., Armenia’s] disgrace is combined with the recognition of the power of Russia and bowing to it.  

“[But] in reality, what occurred with Ukraine should become a cause of concern for us because, after this ‘triumph’ over Europe, Russia will become more unbridled, which first will be expressed in [Russia’s] relations with Armenia,” 168 Zham daily reports.   

To note, following the talks that were held on September 3 in Moscow between Armenian and Russian Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin, Sargsyan had announced that Armenia plans to join the Customs Union and subsequently engage in the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union. Aside from Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan likewise are members in the Customs Union. And in response to this development, the European Union had stated that the signing of the Armenia-EU Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area agreement is now doubtful.