Armenian Parliament Approves Initial EU Membership Bill

The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia adopted the draft law "On the beginning of the process of joining the European Union" at the first reading.

The document was supported by 63 deputies; seven voted against it, Orda.kz reports, citing Interfax.

The government approved the bill in January before being submitted to parliament.

The Republic of Armenia, expressing the will of the people, setting itself the task of making the country safe, protected, developed and prosperous, announces the beginning of the process of joining the European Union, the document says.

The opposition "Armenia" faction did not participate in the vote.

This parliamentary decision comes as Armenia's relations with the Collective Security Treaty Organization and Russia have strained.

Yerevan has recently criticized CSTO allies for what it perceives as inadequate support on security matters.

Original Author: Aliya Askarova