ASTANA, MINSK—The upper house of the Kazakh Parliament – the Senate – and the lower house of the Belarusian National Assembly — the House of Representatives — have ratified a treaty on Armenia’s joining the Eurasian Economic Union, Kazinform reports.
After the treaty comes into force, Armenia will become a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and will assume the responsibility envisaged by the treaty.
“The adoption of the bill will allow the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union to create conditions for further development of economic integration with a view of improving the living conditions,” the Kazakh Ministry of Economic Policy, Innovative Development and Entrepreneurship said in a conclusion.
The treaty was signed in Minsk by the Presidents of Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan and Armenia on 10 October 2014. The three countries agreed to a transition period for Armenia during which the Armenian goods will be subject to certain import duties. Their rates will differ from the common customs tariff in the EEU.
“Today is a historic day. Once again we have reiterated our position, our vector of development. After the ratification we are becoming a member of the EEU and this opens up great opportunities,” Ambassador of Armenia to Belarus Armen Khachatryan told Belarusian reporters.
He explained that Armenia can supply the EEU partners with a myriad of goods and services. As Armenia lacks a common border with any EEU member state, goods to and from Armenia will travel through Georgia.
“I sincerely salute all Belarusians. I wish happiness and joy to the most beautiful people, the kindest nation, as all Armenians say,” the diplomat said.
Armenia will become a full-fledged member of the Eurasian Economic Union once Kazakhstan’s lower house and Belarus’ upper house have ratified the treaty as well, but no sooner than Jan. 1, 2015.
What a surprise! Who would have thought? The coercion and intimidation of the bear is far reaching. There is a reason why the Duma ratified it first. It was the signal for others to do the same. Who would want to be seen defying the bear? Child’s play at best with a mix of stench from the old CCCP.
By the way, what ever happened to the issue of border crossing and trade between Armenia and Artsakh under this agreement? It was vaguely swept under the rug a little while back. Hope no surprises come like the sudden decision to entry the EEU. But then again, with RasPutin calling the shots, anything could happen overnight. Who knows, we might one day wake up and have a new common EEU currency with his picture on it.