Mkrtich Minasyan: Opposition demands contained ultimatums (video)
Republican lawmaker Mkrtich Minasyan today spoke about the possibility of placing customs checkpoints between Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic after Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union, which has raised a public outcry in Armenia. He rules out the installation of customs checkpoints. The second important issue is the change of customs duties after Armenia’s membership to the Russian-led trade bloc. “The relevant government agencies, who are involved in the negotiation process and are included in the working group, have, in fact, delayed the increase of import duties on these products for five years. The products that are sold in Russia or Kazakhstan at more affordable tariffs, such as vehicles, will be much cheaper in Armenia,” said Mr Minasyan. The lawmaker is convinced that as a member of the World Trade Organization, Armenia can bridge economic and business structures of the Diaspora, CIS countries and EEU, thereby strengthening trade relations between the EEU and European Union. Speaking about the political developments in Armenia, the Republican MP said the October 10 rally organized by the three opposition forces in Yerevan was disorganized and lacked a common ideology. ‘It is evident that Levon Ter-Petrosyan is trying to assume the role of a conductor with Gagik Tsarukyan’s electorate.’ To a journalist’s question why the Republicans did not meet the 12-point demands submitted by the opposition earlier this year, the MP said the document contained ultimatums which were unacceptable for them.
