Arminfo.info



 Monday, June 30 2014

Степанян Դավիթ Stepanyan Ստեփանյան David Давид

Alexander Krylov: Taking into consideration the experience of the EU, Russia has to refuse maximal extension of the Eurasian Economic Union

Alexander Krylov: Taking into consideration the experience of the  EU, Russia has to refuse maximal extension of the Eurasian Economic Union

 


Many say that nothing has changed
around Karabakh for the last 20 years. Meanwhile, the geo-politics around the
conflict has changed much, if nor radically. The conflict in Ukraine, Russia’s new role, deeper disagreements
between the OSCE MG co-chair states, etc. May this result in a new situation around
the Karabakh settlement?


 


Over the last twenty years, the
situation in the world, particularly in Azerbaijan,Armenia and
NKR, has tangibly changed. The only thing that has not changed in the world policy
is the difference of interests of the major global and regional actors.
Therefore, every of the Minsk Group co-chair-states acts in line with its
interests that may either coincide or partially coincide with those of its
partners or run contrary to them. The co-chair- states are not interested in
resumption of military actions, here is where their interests coincide. For the
politicians of the USA and France
it is extremely undesirable spoiling relations with their voters of Armenian
origin. This will happen, if they agree with any military actions "forcing
the parties to peace.  Actually, the
Armenians of France and USA
will quite differently respond if operations similar to those in Iraq, Lybia and Syria
are launched in NKR and Armenia.
Moreover,  the talks on possible
deployment of NATO peacekeepers in the Karabakh conflict zone are idle as long
as Armenia is a CSTO member
and enjoying Russia's
security guarantees. For Russia
a solution to the Karabakh conflict with help of external force and pressure is
inadmissible. Otherwise, the U.S.
and other non-regional superpowers will expand their military presence on its
borders.  In addition, judging by the
20-year experience of the U.S.
peacemaking operation, one can state for sure that they have destructive and
tragic aftermaths, first of all, for the peoples, countries and regions that
were turned into objects of the U.S.peacemaking activity. Once, Russia and France,
and even Germany opposed the
U.S. peacemaking operation
in Iraq.
Now, it is evident that the U.S.
operations in Iraq
help no one, including Americans.


 


Despite shortage of the official
information, just the way out from the transport semi-blockade was the key
reason of Armenia
president’s official visit to Georgia
on 18-19 June. Before Serzh Sargsyan’s departure to Georgia, president of the
Russian Railway Vladimir Yakunin said in Yerevan
that the “necessity to concentrate at opening of the railway movement through
Abkhazia and Georgia to Armenia”.


 


The new leadership of Georgia has
understood the necessity of normalizing relations with Russia, and is trying to
develop this way putting the problems of Abkhazia and South Ossetia outside the
negotiating process.We always needed unblocking of the railway through
Abkhazia. Earlier, Georgia's
position hindered this process, as during Shewarnadze's tenure Georgia was trying to use this factor to have an
effect on Russia
in its attempts to take Abkhazia back. In fact, that time Russia was offered to recover Abkhazia  for Georgia, which was unacceptable
even for the Russian diplomacy of Kozyrev's times. Then the railway was blocked
as a result of Saakashvili's policy for the military settlement of Abkhazia's
and South Ossetia's issues. Now the situation
has changed. After the events in 2008, Russia recognized both republics
and is not going to revise its position. Against such a background, we hope for
unblocking of the railway through Abkhazia, he said and added that at present
not negative position of the Georgian leadership is the key obstacle of that,
but Georgia's strong
dependence on Azerbaijan and
Turkey.
The leadership of these countries have all the opportunities not to let
unblocking of the railway through Abkhazia by means of imposing pressure upon
the leadership of Georgia
and they are likely to use these opportunities.


 


 


The railway North-South is able to unite
Russia, Georgia and Armenia
with Iran and give the
shortest and economically backed way out to all the three countries to the big
markets of the South-East Asia and Arab
countries. What is the reason of the fact that Moscow is trying to develop the Eurasian project
and ignores the true economic projects. What
is the reason of that? 


 


For Russia
the North-South railway can run either via Azerbaijan
or via Armenia.
There are no problems with the route via Azerbaijan. In case if such railway
transportation is more favorable than maritime traffic, the project may be
developed. As for the route via Armenia,
everything is much more problematic here. First and the foremost, everything
here depends on economic rather than political factors. Azerbaijan and Turkey
are exerting pressure on Armenia,
isolating it from the external world as much as it is possible. In this
light,  it is obvious that the Georgian
government that is dependant on Ankara and Baku cannot make
independent decisions when it comes to the North-South railway. The situation
may change, if the Georgian leadership manages to reduce its dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey.  Armenia
may help Georgia become less
dependent on Ankara and Baku. The Armenian diplomacy gets a wide area
of maneuvering here.


 


Russia’s Minister for Regional Development
Igor Slyunyaev said it is very much possible that Azerbaijan
may join the Customs Union or Eurasian Economic Union.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan
does not think about it. What are the Kremlin’s expectations from Azerbaijan
against such a background?


 


The modern world has been always
persuading us that there is nothing impossible in it. Everything depends on the
level of Azerbaijan's
joining the Customs Union or Eurasian Economic Union. In this context, one can
suppose that some day the Cyprus
or Sri-Lanka may also join these structures. Russian functionaries and
ministers may express their viewpoints regarding different issues. So, we
should not watch similar statements as expression of Moscow's official viewpoint and pay great
attention at them. In this case the minister simply said that such a thing is
possible and nothing else.


 


Russia is trying to extend the sphere of
its influence through inviting different countries to the Eurasian Union. Are there any other reason of this process initiated
by the Kremlin except the danger of NATO’s extension to the East?


 


NATO’s extension to the East
confronts Russian’s security interests. and affects foreign policy of Russia, in this case, it does not much affect Moscow's policy. Since
the USSR
split the reconstruction of the post-Soviet area has been taking place and the
process is still developing. Unfortunately, we do not have a single Europe
after the USSR
split and two integration project have been developing here.  Similar projects have been developing in
other parts of the world too and have been forming a new multi-pole world.
Which of them will be successful? I mean the integration projects of the
European Union and Eurasian Economic Union too. First of all, Russia is
concerned about ensuring of its own stable and successful development at the
post-Soviet area jointly with its neighboring states. However, this contradicts
interests of the forces which go on having illusions of a single-pole world and
have been trying to block partnership both in the all-European scale as well as
within the frames of the project of Eurasian Economic Union. The experience of
the European Union shows that its extension gave birth to many problems. It
would be useful to Russia
to take this experience into account and act according to the principle
"better less" and not to strive to maximal extension of the Eurasian
Economic Union. If the EAEU gets true profits from the project over the coming
years, if the project is successful and provides stable development and
resolving of social and economic problems, in that case, this integration union
will hardly have shortage of those who want to join it.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

Termination of service of MIR cards. IDBankTermination of service of MIR cards. IDBank
Our policy is that we must not allow war to start - Armenian premier Our policy is that we must not allow war to start - Armenian premier 
If president Putin wins in Ukraine, it is not only a challenge for  Ukrainians, but also for Azerbaijan and NATO allies - NATO Sec Gen If president Putin wins in Ukraine, it is not only a challenge for  Ukrainians, but also for Azerbaijan and NATO allies - NATO Sec Gen 
Artsakh-related issues not only of social nature - initiative Artsakh-related issues not only of social nature - initiative 
Armenian general rules out any provocations on Armenian-Turkish  border as long as Russian flag hoisted there Armenian general rules out any provocations on Armenian-Turkish  border as long as Russian flag hoisted there 
Official voting results of Russian citizens in Armenia have been  announcedOfficial voting results of Russian citizens in Armenia have been  announced
With With "demarcation" going at this rate it will reach Yerevan:  Pashinyan points out to Tavush residents the need to quickly transfer  4 villages to Azerbaijan
Pashinyan meets with Tavush residents as promised earlier: Details of  meeting have not yet been providedPashinyan meets with Tavush residents as promised earlier: Details of  meeting have not yet been provided
Stoltenberg: Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces close cooperation  strengthens Azerbaijan-NATO relationsStoltenberg: Azerbaijani-Turkish armed forces close cooperation  strengthens Azerbaijan-NATO relations
Armenia and Azerbaijan now have opportunity to achieve enduring peace  after years of conflict - NATO Sec GenArmenia and Azerbaijan now have opportunity to achieve enduring peace  after years of conflict - NATO Sec Gen
Armenian government`s intention to waive the claims filed against  Azerbaijan in international courts to cause irreparable damage to  Armenian people - human rights activists Armenian government`s intention to waive the claims filed against  Azerbaijan in international courts to cause irreparable damage to  Armenian people - human rights activists 
Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!
Higher school buildings to be managed by international company -  premierHigher school buildings to be managed by international company -  premier
Armenian CEC rep observe U.S. primaries Armenian CEC rep observe U.S. primaries 
Contemporary Indian writer Arjun Krishna Lal`s book released in  Armenian Contemporary Indian writer Arjun Krishna Lal`s book released in  Armenian 
U.S reaffirms commitment to durable and dignified peace between  Azerbaijan and Armenia - Joe Biden U.S reaffirms commitment to durable and dignified peace between  Azerbaijan and Armenia - Joe Biden 
Deepening Armenian-Indian relations among Armenia`s foreign policy  priorities Deepening Armenian-Indian relations among Armenia`s foreign policy  priorities 
Moscow Moscow "testing" its relations with Yerevan
Armenia`s possible withdrawal from CSTO should take country`s real  needs into account - Russian foreign office rep Armenia`s possible withdrawal from CSTO should take country`s real  needs into account - Russian foreign office rep 
Region closer to peace than ever before - president of Azerbaijan Region closer to peace than ever before - president of Azerbaijan 
Three Sad Stories about FraudstersThree Sad Stories about Fraudsters
Armenia`s Deputy FM admits setback in Armenia-EU visa requirement  simplification Armenia`s Deputy FM admits setback in Armenia-EU visa requirement  simplification 
Opposition is denied access to draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan -  MPOpposition is denied access to draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan -  MP
Stoltenberg: NATO sought to support stronger partnerships with both  Armenia, Azerbaijan in 2023Stoltenberg: NATO sought to support stronger partnerships with both  Armenia, Azerbaijan in 2023
Peter Stano: Armenia may apply to join EUPeter Stano: Armenia may apply to join EU
Azerbaijanis destroy13th-century Armenian khachkar in village of  Tsar, Shaumyan region of occupied ArtsakhAzerbaijanis destroy13th-century Armenian khachkar in village of  Tsar, Shaumyan region of occupied Artsakh
Zatulin: Strengthening Armenian-EU relations to require  revision of  Armenia`s membership in EAEUZatulin: Strengthening Armenian-EU relations to require  revision of  Armenia`s membership in EAEU
Basic principles of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations remain  unchanged - MFABasic principles of settling Armenian-Azerbaijani relations remain  unchanged - MFA
Oppositionist: Armenian government has failed its program, including  through CSTOOppositionist: Armenian government has failed its program, including  through CSTO
Foreign Minister: We are not negotiating surrender of villages in  Tavush region to AzerbaijanForeign Minister: We are not negotiating surrender of villages in  Tavush region to Azerbaijan
Foreign office: Today, mutual understanding between Yerevan and Baku  regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity is higher than  month agoForeign office: Today, mutual understanding between Yerevan and Baku  regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity is higher than  month ago
Statue honoring Soghomon Tehlirian unveiled in MarseilleStatue honoring Soghomon Tehlirian unveiled in Marseille
Armenian Revolutionary Federation holds protest in front of Armenian  Consulate in Los AngelesArmenian Revolutionary Federation holds protest in front of Armenian  Consulate in Los Angeles
Azerbaijan-Iran conflict predestined - Stepan Danielyan Azerbaijan-Iran conflict predestined - Stepan Danielyan 
Turkmenistan and Austria aim to expand the boundaries of bilateral cooperationTurkmenistan and Austria aim to expand the boundaries of bilateral cooperation
Senior Russian diplomat discusses Ukraine, South Caucasus at talks in  AnkaraSenior Russian diplomat discusses Ukraine, South Caucasus at talks in  Ankara
Armenian, Artsakh political forces issue joint statement  Armenian, Artsakh political forces issue joint statement
Our main goal is to return to Artsakh soil - Andrei SergeenkoOur main goal is to return to Artsakh soil - Andrei Sergeenko
AAA disappointed with financial aid to Armenia next year AAA disappointed with financial aid to Armenia next year 
Armenia committed to work actively on implementation of provisions of  EU resolution - Armenia NA speaker Armenia committed to work actively on implementation of provisions of  EU resolution - Armenia NA speaker 
European Parliament approves resolution on closer ties between the EU and ArmeniaEuropean Parliament approves resolution on closer ties between the EU and Armenia
Armenia intends to bring its domestic legislation to conformity with  ICC requirementsArmenia intends to bring its domestic legislation to conformity with  ICC requirements
Artsakh information Center calls on mass media to refrain from unfounded accusations against Artsakh authoritiesArtsakh information Center calls on mass media to refrain from unfounded accusations against Artsakh authorities
4 villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia`s administrative  borders  - minister4 villages in Tavush are not included in Armenia`s administrative  borders  - minister
Defense Minister: Defense Minister: "Nobody gave the order not to open fire"
Ararat Mirzoyan, Louis Bono discuss current security situation in  South Caucasus Ararat Mirzoyan, Louis Bono discuss current security situation in  South Caucasus 
Kremlin: Moscow to clarify with Armenian side situation around  Yerevan`s withdrawal from CSTO Kremlin: Moscow to clarify with Armenian side situation around  Yerevan`s withdrawal from CSTO 
Armenia hosting Francophonie Days Armenia hosting Francophonie Days 
Armenia`s authorities realizing Aliyev`s agenda by starting border  delimitation from Tavush - Mane Tandilyan Armenia`s authorities realizing Aliyev`s agenda by starting border  delimitation from Tavush - Mane Tandilyan 
South Caucasus stability one of Turkiye`s prioritiesSouth Caucasus stability one of Turkiye`s priorities
Tragic events in Nagorno Karabakh made France develop security  cooperation with Armenia - ambassador Tragic events in Nagorno Karabakh made France develop security  cooperation with Armenia - ambassador 
EU applies anti-Russian EU applies anti-Russian "geopolitical optic" everywhere - Russian  official 
Deployment of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia aimed at  establishing lasting peace and ensuring stability in region - Paruyr  HovhannisyanDeployment of the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia aimed at  establishing lasting peace and ensuring stability in region - Paruyr  Hovhannisyan
Crossroads of Peace project divorced from reality Crossroads of Peace project divorced from reality 
PM: Armenian border guards wto perform their duties at Zvartnots  airport from August 1PM: Armenian border guards wto perform their duties at Zvartnots  airport from August 1
Pashinyan on Arshak Karapetyan`s dismissal reason and his special  relations with MoscowPashinyan on Arshak Karapetyan`s dismissal reason and his special  relations with Moscow
Premier: Yerevan sees and feels Turkiye`s presence in  Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process Premier: Yerevan sees and feels Turkiye`s presence in  Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process 
At meeting with French Ambassador, head of Armenia faction, notes  importance of sanctioning Azerbaijan for atrocities in Artsakh At meeting with French Ambassador, head of Armenia faction, notes  importance of sanctioning Azerbaijan for atrocities in Artsakh 
Pashinyan: External forces also provoked main force organizing ethnic  cleansing in KarabakhPashinyan: External forces also provoked main force organizing ethnic  cleansing in Karabakh
Our political force will follow path of institutional solutions -  ex-mayor of Yerevan Our political force will follow path of institutional solutions -  ex-mayor of Yerevan