Joint Disinformation of Serzh Sargsyan and Russian Radio Station

Serzh Sargsyan has given an interview to the Russian Business FM radio station, in which he has also addressed the agreement to be signed with the European Union at the end of this month.

“In fact, this is an enhancement of cooperation with the European Union, modernization of our society in the first place. It is about good governance, human rights. It almost does not deal with economy. I am saying “almost” because there is a provision there according to which commitments by the agreement can in no way contradict the commitments previously undertaken by Armenia”, Sargsyan noted.

Disinformation of disinformation

Sargsyan’s statement about the economy is not true, especially the headline chosen by Russian Business FM radio station, namely, “EU-Armenia agreement not related to economy”.

In the new pre-signed EU-Armenia agreement, EU and Armenia have touched upon broadest areas of cooperation, including the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Armenia’s energy security, infrastructure development, education, environmental protection, etc., as well as economy. Chapter 4 of the agreement is fully devoted to economic cooperation.

The document includes obligations of the parties with regards to economic dialogues, exchange of information on macroeconomic policies, joint development of regional economic integration changes, investments and fair cooperation aimed at improvement of economic relations in the tax system.

Besides, need for activities for the development of industrial environment, improvement of trade cooperation, and the customs system are also addressed. The agreement envisages EU-Armenia cooperation in establishing economic stability in Armenia, assisting Armenia in its efforts to develop its economic potential through international cooperation.

In an alternate reality

While the Russian radio station was publishing Sargsyan’s interview, RA Deputy Foreign Minister Karen Nazaryan was announcing that Armenia has economic expectations from the agreement with the EU during the meeting with the members of the RA National Assembly Standing Committee on European Integration.

“It [read: EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement] will also give new opportunities for business investments and creation of workplaces.  And the comprehensive, enhanced and balanced trade provisions of the agreement will assist Armenia in successfully integrating in the economic, and, particularly, global, European economy”, Nazaryan noted.

Thus, there is an impression that either Sargsyan is not familiar with the contents of the pre-signed EU-Armenia agreement by making such a statement, or he is making an attempt to make an excuse that will satisfy the Russian side.

The part of the interview that contains the disinformation was also covered during the “Orakarg” news program of Armenian Public TV on November 2.

It is worth reminding that it is envisaged to sign the new EU-Armenia agreement during the EU Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels on November 24.