YEREVAN. – In the case of Armenia joining the Customs Union (CU), Modus Vivendi Center Director, political scientist Ara Papyan does not predict a good progress with respect to the fate of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), Aravot daily reports.   

‘“The NKR’s fate in the case of Armenia’s CU accession is unclear up to now. 

‘“There are disturbing statements—[coming from Kazakhstan President Nursultan] Nazarbayev, [and Belarus President Alexander] Lukashenko—, but let us hope that the Armenian authorities will be able to find an acceptable option for Armenia.  

‘“But if a customs checkpoint is set up [between Armenia and the NKR], it is apparent that this will close, once and for all, any positive development for us [i.e., the Armenian party] in the Karabakh issue; this is an uncertain and a negative trend.’     

“The Karabakh authorities’ silence on this matter likewise is incomprehensible for Mr. Papyan,” Aravot writes.