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Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova strengthen their cooperation and plan to open a new page within the framework of the activities of GUAM, an organization established 20 years ago. The prime ministers and deputy prime ministers of the four countries signed on March 27 a number of documents in Kiev, which, according to the Ukraine’s Prime Minster, will allow them to operate the free economic zone and increase the trade turnover between the member states of the organization. In addition to boosting the economic ties, the four states committed to strengthen the cooperation in the political sphere as well, in particular regarding the settlement of the conflicts the member states face. Panorama.am has talked to political scientist Levon Shirinyan over the issues of the activation of the organization.

Panorama.am: Mr. Shirinyan, what can be expected from the activation of GUAM?

Levon Shirinyan: This is a zone, or rather a sanitary barrier against the activation of Russia. All the member states of this organization agree on that mission except hypocritical Azerbaijan. The former were delighted to join the organization, as it is a way to get rid of the Russian pressure. Azerbaijan, however, runs a hypocritical policy like Turks refraining from confronting Russia overtly. Russia should beware of GUAM activation, at the same time the opposing sides, the members states of the organization, should also mind out, as they can face an angry bear – Russia.

Panorama.am: And what can trigger the activation of the GUAM?

Levon Shirinyan: The anti-Russianism. I repeat myself that this organization acts against Russia, but in case it becomes overactive, the organization can end up under Russia’s ‘shoe’. Russia especially does not want Azerbaijan to go against it.

Panorama.am: Mr. Shirinyan, do you consider it possible that Azerbaijan, like members of the organization Georgia and Moldova, can be granted a visa-free regime with Europe?

Levon Shirinyan: I do not think so. Europe would avoid the Azerbaijani rubbish. Besides, politics is like a multi-layer pie, and as much as Azerbaijan tries to leave GUAM, it will not succeed. It is hardly possible given the organization’s activation.