Today, on December 4, National Assembly of Armenia ratified treaty on Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) with a majority of votes. The treaty was ratified with 103 votes “pro”, 7 “con” and one abstention. The treaty was supported by ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Prosperous Armenia, Armenian National Congress (ANC) and Orinats Yerkir factions. Only Heritage party voiced criticism against the deal.
At the National Assembly on Wednesday, deputy speaker of Armenian parliament Edward Sharmazanov said,”The accession to the EEU will give Armenia an opportunity to enter a 170-million market, addressing the opponents of Armenia’s EEU membership”.
In his words, Armenia imports oil products without 30 percent customs duty. Besides, according to the politician, Russia sells weapons and ammunition to Armenia at its domestic prices.
Commenting on the arguments about Armenia’s isolation after entering the EEU, Sharmazanov reiterated that Armenia will enter a 170-million market and added that EU officials and ambassadors said that they are ready to continue cooperation with Armenia, so they “do not close the doors” for Armenia.
The treaty on Armenia’s accession to the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union is slated for entry into force on January 1, 2015.
COMM130A 
What do you think, Hasmik, about Armenia’s joining the EEU? Do you believe this is a good or bad decision for Armenia? Also, it’s important to note that besides the Heritage Party, individual MPs (Nikol Pashinyan and Alexander Arzoumanian) also voted against ratifying the treaty. See http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/26725577.html
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In my view, on the one hand it is good to be in EEU Union if we look at it from the economic point and consider the exports and imports from the union countries. On the other hand if we look at the question from the point of international trade with Europe and US, for instance, the tariff for the exported goods will become even higher. Also according to some specialists, it’s not just a union for economical benefits, but it is also a ‘secret’ step to create a new union between the post Soviet countries and join this countries again. The union will have a negative impact on Armenian economy, as it will shrunk the circle of our international trade indirectly.
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