4.4. Integration of Armenia into International Organizations and Regional Programs

Since 1992, Armenia has joined a number of international and regional organizations, among these:

The United Nations (UN). Armenia joined the UN in 1992. In accordance with its basic mandate, eradication of poverty, promotion of development and protection of human rights, the UN mission in Armenia has been implementing programs jointly with the government. The efforts of the UN, including the Bretton Wood foundations, are mainly aimed at the implementation of macroeconomic and social sphere priorities. Among the specialized agencies represented in Armenia are - UNDP, UNDPI, OCHA, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, WHO, WB, IMF. Besides its core programming activities, UNDP provides operational support to the implementation of projects of the non-resident UN agencies, such as UNESCO, UNIDO, ITC, FAO, UNCTAD, ICAO, UNDCP, IAEA in the areas and domains were theses agencies are specialized, ranging from industrial and agricultural development to education and drug control, civil aviation and atomic energy.

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Armenia joined OSCE in 1992. Being the largest European inter-governmental organization (53 members at present) and the most widely stretched geographically, OSCE plays an important role in providing stability among its member countries. Armenia attaches primary significance to the OSCE mandate in finding means for the settlement of the Karabagh conflict, as it plays an important role in the maintenance of the cease-fire in the Karabagh conflict zone.

OSCE also plays a certain role in the enhancement of democratic institutions in Armenia by providing consultants and sending observer missions during elections.

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which was initially comprised of 12 former Soviet republics and was aimed at creating and maintaining mutually beneficial economic and social conditions for development. In fact, most of the envisaged goals have not been attained, which can be partially explained by the CIS formation process and by differences among the CIS member countries and domestic discord. So far, the greatest advantages obtained by Armenia from its membership in the CIS are associated with Armenia's participation in the CIS collective security system and the right to enter CIS countries without visas. Despite the declarative nature of most of its documents and the lack of efficient implementation mechanisms, the CIS is not altogether unpromising.

Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) was established for the implementation of regional cooperation programs; BSEC puts forward concrete regional problems and functions based on the possibilities available at the given time. The contradictions between BSEC member-countries as well as the ongoing economic crises in most of them (it suffices to say that five of 11 BSEC countries are CIS members) also constrain its activities. In addition, two BSEC members, Turkey and Azerbaijan, have been imposing a blockade on Armenia, another BSEC member, which has a negative effect on the activities of the entire organization and mutual relations between its members. Nevertheless, should these obstacles be overcome, the BSEC may become rather efficient.

Expected memberships

Council of Europe. Membership in this authoritative organization will obviously have a positive impact on the enhancement of democratic processes and the stability of human development in Armenia. Since 1996 Armenia has had special status in the CE; this enables Armenia, with observer status, to participate in the bodies of this organization, including the work of the Parliamentary Assembly. Up to date, the obstacles to CE membership have been: domestic factors (violations of democratic processes) and an external factor, i.e. the Karabagh conflict. The CE's positive appraisal of the May 30, 1999 NA elections increases Armenia's chances of becoming a CE member.

World Trade Organization (WTO). Armenia has been trying to join the WTO since 1994. If this goal is achieved, Armenia's possibilities for efficient trade with the world's advanced countries will improve. The possibility of imposing unilateral trade obstacles will decrease.

European Union. Armenia is a member of two EU trans-regional economic programs - TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe Caucasus Asia) with its several sub-programs; and INOGATE (Inter-state Oil and Gas Transportation Agreement) - which both concern transportation in this region and can have a remarkable influence on the economic development of Armenia and the whole region. However, both programs are at the stage of initial establishment and there are significant obstacles to their implementation (Box 4.1).

Box 4.1. Armenia within the Silk Route Program The EU TRACECA program envisages the establishment of a transit transportation system Europe-Caucasus-Asia, convergence of national transportation networks of member states and development of common economic links on this basis. This program has been conventionally named Silk Route Program, although geographically it only partially corresponds to the historical route. In accordance with the multilateral agreement signed in Baku in 1998, Armenia, together with some West European and CIS countries, has become a member of this program. The same purposes are pursued by the TAE program (Telecommunications Asia-Europe) aimed at the provision of telecommunications. Within this program optic-fiber cable will be laid from Frankfurt-am-Main (Germany) to Shanghai (China) 27,000 km. Armenia is a participant in this project. Thanks to the World Tourism Organization and UNESCO, the Silk Route tourism program has been initiated. Armenia, along with a number of European and Asian countries, has become a member in this program. The concept submitted by Armenia of transit tourism along the historical route was approved and recommended at the 1998 Congress of the World Tourism Organization.