ArmInfo.The Armenian National Congress (ANC) of the first President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan outlined its position on the proposal of the Armenian Prime Minister to political forces, non-governmental organizations, different layers of society, citizens to express their attitude to the European Parliament resolution, which, among other things, proposes to consider the possibility of granting Yerevan candidate status for membership of the European Union.
ANC Deputy Chairman Levon Zurabyan recalled that on March 12, the EU Parliament adopted a non- binding resolution for the European Commission, stating that "if Armenia is interested in applying for candidate status and continuing on its path of sustained reforms consolidating its democracy, it could set the stage for a transformative phase in EU- Armenia relations."
"Responding to the adopted resolution, Prime Minister Pashinyan said: "I hope that the political forces of the Republic of Armenia, non-governmental organizations, various sectors of society, citizens will express their attitude to this message of the European Parliament...", Zurabyan added.
According to him, taking into account the fact that Pashinyan is turning to the political forces of Armenia, expecting to express a position on this issue, the ANC states:
1. The conflict between the West and Russia, which has grown to a dangerous level in the last period, threatens global and regional security, undermines international law and the effectiveness of its global institutions, which is no longer sufficient to resolve conflicts. Added to this is the reckless policy of the Armenian authorities, which has caused unprecedented threats to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country;
2. In such a situation and during such a period, an application for obtaining candidate status for membership of the European Union, if it occurs in conditions of deterioration and breakdown of relations with the Russian Federation, may violate the historically balanced policy pursued by Armenia. This, in turn, will create serious risks associated with resistance from regional players, which equally affect the vital interests of both our security and economic security;
3. The experience of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova should have shown what enormous losses of human life, territory and economic losses were associated with steps taken in the wrong environment and at the wrong time. These risks are multiplied in today's unprecedented situation of global conflict.
4. The Armenian authorities are obliged to provide the public with a detailed assessment of the threats, challenges and risks that will arise as a result of officially applying for candidate status for membership of the European Union. They are also required to present the availability of the necessary guarantees and alternatives to overcome them, as well as a detailed justification of the possibilities, a realistic program of measures necessary to overcome all security and economic challenges;
This work can only be done by the government, since only it has the necessary information to develop these calculations and plans, including diplomatic negotiations, military and economic resources and guarantees of compensation associated with their potential losses."
At the same time, the ANC is confident that the fact that the government does not put forward such calculations and plans, but instead turns to the political forces of the country with a proposal to state their position, once again shows that they are abandoning the constitutional function of leadership, avoiding responsibility for making fateful decisions and they rely on their characteristic method of manipulating the emotional outbursts of society.
"This method once again proves that we are dealing with a government that is completely incompetent in public administration and strategic planning, driven solely by superficial passions, crowd-pleasing, selfish goals and adventure.
In the context of turbulent geopolitical and regional conflicts, the final results of which cannot be accurately predicted, it is in the vital interests of Armenia to pursue a balanced policy. It is this policy that will allow, on the one hand, to keep our country away from the catastrophic danger of becoming a battlefield between superpowers, and on the other hand, to improve relations in all areas and become a center of peaceful and stable cooperation and investment," the ANC summarized.