Customs checkpoint between Armenia and Karabakh out of question

August 14, 2014 By administrator

YEREVAN. – None of the documents on Armenia’s accession to Customs Union mentions customs checkpoint between Armenia and Karabakh, Economy Minister Karen Chshmarityan said during a press conference on Thursday.

Asked whether this means Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh are the same country, Chshmarityan said: “No, this does not. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is a separate state, while the Republic of Armenia is a guarantor of its security”.

He noted that the process of Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union continues according to the set schedule.

Armenia well-positioned to join Customs Union in 2014: EEC Minister

July 13, 2014 By administrator

July 12, 2014 – 16:40 AMT

Armenia is well-positioned to join the Customs Union in 2014, Trade Minister of the Eurasian Economic Commission Andrei Slepnev said on July 11 during the annual seminar for heads of diplomatic missions and consular institutions of Belarus, BelTA reported.

“Armenia is well-prepared to join the Eurasian Economic Commission. Virtually all the issues have been settled already,” he said. According to Andrei Slepnev, an extensive roadmap for Armenia has been drafted. The Trade Minister deems it necessary to pay close attention to customs control of goods imported from this country.

According to the minister, one of the biggest challenges now are different WTO obligations of Armenia and Russia. In this regard the parties plan to establish a transition period during which the matter will be settled.

Source: PanARMENIAN.Net

Armenia can combine relationship with EU and participation in Customs Union

May 13, 2014 By administrator

May 13, 2014 | 00:37

YEREVAN. – Armenia can combine the development of close relations with European Union and participation in the Russia-led Customs Union, French President Francois Hollande told the reporters on Monday, Armenian News-NEWS.am reports.

Hollande, who is on state visit in Yerevan, participated in the Armenian-French business forum. The President of France stressed that it is possible to find the model, which will allow Armenia to sign Association Agreement with European Union and at the same time join the Customs Union. However, that model should be developed exclusively for Armenia, Hollande added.

“Armenia can combined the relationship with EU and participation in Russia’s Customs Union. For me, it is not a problem. We need to work on the possibilities,” President Hollande added.

Speaking on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, Francois Hollande said that it is necessary to make efforts to find a “global” solution of the problem.

“Today, we are celebrating 20 years of ceasefire. 20 years is a very long period. We, OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries, should work towards a final solution and that is why yesterday I was in Azerbaijan and today I am in Armenia,” President Hollande added.

French envoy talks Karabakh, Customs Union, Genocide bill

October 29, 2013 By administrator

October 29, 2013 – 15:36 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs never ignored the issue of the Nagorno Karabakh’s involvement in the conflict settlement talks, French envoy to Armenia noted commenting on former co-chair Bernard Fassier’s statement.

“Fassier, who earlier stressed the necessity of Karabakh’s involvement in the talks, is an experienced diplomat and has extensive knowledge of the issue, so I cannot really question his words,” Henri Reynaud said.

“I can only add that the OSCE MG will take every effort to promote the settlement. However, the MG is a mediatory mission and can only offer the settlement options to the conflicting parties, with the latters responsible for final decision.”

According to the envoy, with elections completed both in Armenia and Azerbaijan, the countries might come up with new suggestions. The ambassador also stressed the necessity of rapid settlement of the conflict, which prevents the development of the region, Armenia Today said.

According to Panorama.am, the envoy said that Armenia’s sovereign decision to join the Customs Union was accepted, with the country’s leadership having expressed a wish to continue relations with the EU.

“EU, as well, did not close its doors to further partnership with Armenia in a number of sectors and formats, such as administration, legal, etc., which are not covered by the Customs Union,” he noted.

The envoy offered no comment on reports suggesting Armenia was pressured by Russia into joining the Customs Union.

As he further noted, a new bill on criminalization of the Armenian Genocide hasn’t yet been submitted to the French parliament, according to Novosti-Armenia.