YEREVAN. – Armenia does not arrange its membership to an organization in accordance with its relations with Azerbaijan

Armenian National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker and ruling Republican Party (RPA) Press Secretary Eduard Sharmazanov told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

He commented on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko’s recent statement that in case of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union, Azerbaijan’s view should be taken into account. 

In Sharmazanov’s words, Armenia does not arrange its integration processes in accordance with its relations with Azerbaijan.

“Especially since Azerbaijan conducts a destructive policy in the region, and instills Armenian-hatred and instability,” the NA vice-chair stressed.     

As per the RPA spokesperson, Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, stated that the Customs Union member states assess Armenia’s wish to join the Customs Union positively and they are in favor of it. 

“A corresponding road map, [and] an action plan is being developed, and this matter will be clarified before December,” Eduard Sharmazanov concluded.       

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.