ARMENIAN ACCESSION
by Doug Merrill
Fistful of Euros, Sweden
April 19 2006
The German newspaper whose web site has marginally improved
published an interview today* with Arthur Baghdasarian, leader of the
second-largest party in the Armenian parliament. He has been president
of parliament since 2003, and he is seen as a leading candidate to
be president of the republic in 2008. They talk about whether or
not Armenia needs a revolution, though not what color it might have,
probably because Baghdasarian opts for reform rather than revolution.
More interesting for afoe readers is this quote: “Armenia’s future
is not in the union of Russia and Belarus. Armenia’s future is in the
European Union and NATO.” Later on he adds, “I am convinced there is
no alternative [to EU accession]. Not just Armenia, but also Georgia,
and why not Azerbaijan as well. We are small countries, and for us
that will be the best structure for cooperation and peace. Europe
needs a secure, conflict-free Caucasus and democratic neighbors.”
Whether or not the current 25 members are ready for enlargement, much
less the old 15 (or 12 or 6 or whatever), potential enlargees are
eager. The EU will have to answer these questions one way or another.
My bet is on more members.
* Annoyingly, it is only available online in pay-per-view. It’s on
page 5 of the paper version, if you have access.
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