The leader of the opposition Free Democrats party says Armenia’s possible membership in the Russian-led Customs Union would jeopardize the country’s sovereignty, the move being an absolutely unexpected decision by President Serzh Sargsyan. “For us, it wasn’t absolutely an unexpected step; perhaps it was so for European officials and politicians. But it was no surprise for any citizen residing in Armenia, especially for a politician,” Khachatur Kokobelyan told Tert.am. He pointed out to what he called the Russian monopoly over Armenia’s strategic facilities, noting that any Russia-related political-military and economic deal concluded in the recent years has always placed Armenia in an inferior position. The politician said those policies, which do not stem from Armenia’s Constitution, cannot serve for the country’s interests. “My opinion is that the Armenian authorities have been pursuing isolation policies over the recent years. By joining the Customs Union, Armenia is further strengthening its dependence on Russia, which is impermissible. That’s a step against both the Republic of Armenia and the statehood. I think all the interested politicians and citizens are obliged to stand up for the protection of their rights,” Kokobelyan said. As for the security considerations behind the move, the Free Democrats leader said he doesn’t find them a reasonable justification. “If certain circles are trying to show any connection with the [Nagorno-]Karabakh issue and say it solves a security problem, I can say that they are sadly mistaken. If our authorities did not manage to resist the Russian pressures, they can act likewise in relation to Nagorno-Karabakh in future. In my deepest conviction, the society has to be seriously concerned and in this respect and commit itself to specific actions,” he added. Kokobelyan, who is also a member of Armenia’s National Assembly, said the move deprives the Armenian citizens from their rights, restricting the potentials of a future development. “Armenia will no longer be perceived as a serious state pursuing sovereign policies on the international arena. Key problems will from now on be negotiated with Russia, rather than Armenia,” he noted. Kokobelyan said at the end that he doesn’t think the move was something unexpected for Russia ahead of the upcoming G20 summit to be held in the country.