Armenian parliament speaker affirms EU membership goal

REGION  29 March 2024 - 09:27

Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of Armenia's parliament, emphasized Armenia's enduring commitment to European integration.

He expressed that EU membership remains the most favourable option for Armenia, underscoring its alignment with European democratic values in an interview with Public Television of Armenia on March 28, Caliber.Az reports citing Interfax.

Simonyan stated, "Armenia is the bearer of the European democratic system. For us, obtaining candidate status for EU membership is the most correct and desirable option that we should follow." He acknowledged the need for substantial efforts to meet European standards, indicating a proactive approach towards harmonization.

Highlighting Armenia's historical pursuit of European integration, Simonyan lamented deviations from this trajectory, particularly referencing Armenia's involvement in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He emphasized the importance of restoring Armenia's focus on EU membership aspirations.

Armenia's proactive stance towards European engagement was further demonstrated as Simonyan announced the country's participation in an upcoming meeting of EU parliamentary heads in Spain in mid-April.

Regarding Armenia's stance within regional security frameworks, Simonyan noted a freeze in Armenia's participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). He questioned the organization's efficacy and commitment to regional stability, particularly in light of recent developments involving Azerbaijan.

Simonyan said that Yerevan has frozen its participation in the CSTO “until we understand whether this organization exists, operates or leaves our region.”

Simonyan also addressed the forthcoming meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He emphasized that Armenia's actions are driven by the imperative to safeguard its sovereignty, asserting that these engagements are not directed against Russia or Azerbaijan.

Reflecting on Armenia's relationship with Russia, Simonyan expressed disappointment, stating, "Russia left Armenia alone in the most difficult period." He accused Russia of deception and neglecting its obligations as an ally during critical moments, particularly in the context of recent conflicts.

“We were repeatedly deceived, and then they tried to drag us into a new war on the territory of Armenia, in order to then 'save' us in a specific situation and throw a clamp on the statehood of Armenia,” summed up the speaker of the Armenian parliament.

Caliber.Az