Anna Nazaryan
“Radiolur”
Geography was the major determining factor in Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union, considers political scientist Levon Shirinyan. There remaining factors are subjective, he said.
“Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union made clarifications in the country’s foreign policy course, and this should neither rejoice the pro-Russians, nor sadden the pro-Europeans,” he said.
According to him, it’s necessary to think about the results. He believes that the move could lead to decreased gas tariffs.
“Armenia should continue its complementary policy, and Europe should show understanding of this,” Levon Shirinyan said.
Many fear that the decision to join the Customs Union could harm Armenia’s sovereignty. “If we have a good political leadership, our sovereignty will not suffer, as it was the case with Belarus and Kazakhstan,” he said.
Political scientist Ruben Mehrabyan considers that the step was a fatal mistake and insists that it was a serious blow to Armenia’s reputation and international standing.
Nevertheless, he says that the EU astern Partnership Program does not envisage a security component, which has made Armenia shake Russia’s hand.
