YEREVAN. – 168 Zham daily interviewed Konstantin Simonov, the founder and general director of the National Energy Security Fund, in the Russian Federation (RF).    

‘“Today, Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union is practically impossible. [But] I believe Armenia would have gladly become a member in the union. Armenia cannot enter the single customs union with countries with which it does not have a common border,’ Simonov said.

According to him, there is Georgia—which is not a union member—between Russia and Armenia, and it is not clear how Armenia will be able to become a member in this organization.    

In Simonov’s words, the matters concerning the Customs Union, with respect to the [raising of the] price of [the Russian natural] gas [being supplied to Armenia], cannot become a sales item. There is an argument that Armenia and RF are strategic partners. But [RF President Vladimir] Putin does not like such stories, and this matter should be dropped from the agenda in the post-Soviet expanse,” 168 Zham quotes.