Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan Uniting Together is Inevitable: AFBA

The Association of Young Financiers and Businessmen (AFBA) welcomes the idea of forming a Caucasus confederation, reports Caucasus Online. As stated by AFBA President Merab Janiashvili, Saakashvili’s suggestion will also include Armenia, which, according to the economist, isn’t so unlikely.

“The joining together of the South Caucasus states in one confederation is inevitable, as well as the creation of an overall economic union. The main issue in the region isn’t ethnic conflicts and separatism, but rather the economic crisis. Armenia survives at Russia’s expense; Georgia, at the United States’; and Azerbaijan, thanks to fuel export, though these resources are being consumed, due to large military expenses. The creation of a single joint economic union will be a step toward resolving ethnic issues,” said Janiashvili.

In his words, the first step in creating such an alliance will be the signing of a document on economic cooperation among the Caucasus states.

“The group members of this initiative will propose that Georgia’s, Azerbaijan’s, and Armenia’s governments sign this document. In the case of all three parties agreeing,  the inclusion of Turkey, Iran and other states to the project will be possible,” he said. 

The AFBA also addresses those conditions which might hinder the creation of such an alliance. “Unification will be possible when the highest level of democracy exists among confederation members. As for the autonomous territories, they will enter into the confederation as part of the main states,” said the AFBA president, adding that the confederation must be created in accordance with the Council of Europe principles.