Armenia to join Russia trade bloc, surprises EU

EUObserver reported that Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan had made it clear on 3 September 2013 that he wanted to join a trade and political union with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan instead of an EU alternative.

In response, the European Commission asked Armenia to clarify its position. Armenia had been preparing to initial an Association Agreement with the EU in November 2013, after more than two years of negotiations.

• Primary Source

EEAS: Armenia http://eeas.europa.eu/armenia/

Wikipedia: Armenia-Russia relations http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenia%E2%80%93Russia_relations

Reuters, 03.09.13: Armenia says will join Russia-led customs union http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/09/03/uk-armenia-russia-customsunion-idUKBRE9820U920130903

RIA Novosti, 03.09.13: Armenia Ready to Join Russia-Led Customs Union – President http://en.ria.ru/politics/20130903/183147413/Armenia-Ready-to-Join-Russia-Led-Customs-Union--President.html

RIA Novosti: Tag: Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan http://en.ria.ru/trend/customs_union_2009/

European Voice, 03.09.13: Armenia chooses Russia over EU http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2013/september/armenia-chooses-russia-over-eu/78090.aspx

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/13/766: Armenia: EU position on the latest developments http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-766_en.pdf

BBC News, 05.09.13: Armenia rift over trade deal fuels EU-Russia tension http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23975951

Blog: EUObserver: Neighbourhood, 18.10.13: Armenia’s choice and the Eastern Partnership http://blogs.euobserver.com/popescu/2013/10/21/armenias-choice-and-the-eastern-partnership/

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