Armenia officially begins the process of joining the EU, making a firm statement about the fate of Russian bases.

On January 9th, the Armenian government took a significant step in its integration process with the European Union (EU).

Armenia has begun the process of joining the EU. (Source: APA)

According to the Interfax news agency, the Armenian government approved the EU accession bill at a meeting on January 9th, after receiving strong public support. The Armenian Central Election Commission confirmed that more than 50,000 signatures were in favor of the bill. The document has now been submitted to Parliament for ratification.

Speaking at a government meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan affirmed that this bill reflects Armenia's determination to move closer to the EU, with both sides having achieved many results in cooperation, including negotiations on visa liberalization and Yerevan's participation in the European Peace Instruments program.

However, the leader noted that a final decision on joining the EU would require a nationwide referendum and the necessary number of votes from the people.

The leader stated clearly: "At this stage, before making a decision to hold a referendum, we should discuss a roadmap with the EU and develop that roadmap."

At the meeting, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing that this decision is based on the increasingly deep and developing relationship between Armenia and the EU in recent years.

According to him, the EU is "very wealthy" and has repeatedly demonstrated clear political support for Yerevan and played an active role in ensuring a secure environment around Armenia, including the deployment of a civilian monitoring mission in the Caucasus country.

Against this backdrop, according to Sputnik news agency, there are speculations about the possibility that Armenia may reconsider or amend the agreement allowing the Russian military presence in the Caucasus country.

Following this information, on January 8, Foreign Minister Mirzoyan affirmed that Yerevan has no plans to reconsider the agreement regarding the presence of Russia's 102nd military base on Armenian territory.

Speaking to reporters in Yerevan, Mirzoyan emphasized: "I can assure you that the military base is not an issue, at least not at this moment."

Armenia, once a close ally of Russia, is now gradually strengthening its cooperation with the EU. The bloc supports Armenia's aspirations for democratization and development, primarily through financial assistance and reform programs.

The main challenge facing Armenia today is balancing its European path with Moscow's influence.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/armenia-chinh-thuc-khoi-dong-tien-trinh-gia-nhap-eu-khang-dinh-chac-chan-ve-so-phan-can-cu-nga-300277.html