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EU seeks clarification from Armenia on Eurasia Customs Union plans

The European Union is seeking “clarification” from Armenia on its plans to join the Russian-led Eurasia customs union and remains committed to advancing ties with its eastern neighbors, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Armenia said Tuesday it had decided to join a customs union led by Russia as well as the proposed Eurasian Economic Union strongly promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Armenia will become the fourth member of the customs block made up of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. The decision means Armenia is unlikely to be able to sign onto trade and political agreement with the EU that it had finished negotiations on in July, diplomats said. That EU deal was expected to be signed in November.

“We are seeking further clarification from the Armenian side,” spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said. “Then we will be able to assess the implications.”

She said the EU is “firmly committed to the Eastern Partnership” agenda of closer ties with eastern neighbors “and we hope it is the same with our partners.”

The EU is expected to make a fuller statement on Armenia’s surprise move later Wednesday.

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