Pashinyan: Armenia Will Not Be Deprived of Its EAEU Membership
Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan told reporters after Sunday's parliamentary election voting: "Armenia will not be expelled from the Eurasian Economic Union. All decisions within the union must be made by consensus, and Armenia, like other member states, holds veto power."
He noted that a referendum on choosing between joining the Eurasian Economic Union or the European Union would only take place if such a referendum issue were formally raised.
"To hold such a referendum, Armenia must formally apply for EU membership or gain candidate status. Neither condition is currently met. Objectively speaking, we are also not yet ready to become an EU candidate; domestic reforms still need to be advanced, and we will steadily continue our reform path."
He added: "Whether Armenia chooses in the future to align more closely with the EU or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union is not something I personally decide. My duty is to ensure that our citizens have the right to choose, leaving the final decision on the country’s direction to the people through their vote."
Pashinyan also openly criticized some partner countries within the Eurasian Economic Union for lacking strategic approach on related issues.
"Instead of enhancing the attractiveness of the Eurasian Economic Union in Armenia, these actions have had the opposite effect. After all, it is the people—not me—who ultimately make the decisions."
He also addressed Russia's restrictions on certain Armenian goods imports, stating that similar trade issues have occurred before.
"The outside world interprets this as sanctions, but trade-related problems of this nature have always happened. Now, these topics are being amplified—largely due to the interests of certain domestic factions in Armenia. There are always routine economic and trade issues among EAEU member states; during each union meeting, we discuss dozens of topics related to phytosanitary measures, product standards, export rules, and origin of goods."
The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance has successively issued import bans: starting May 22, importation of Armenian flowers was prohibited; from May 30, temporary restrictions were imposed on fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, leafy vegetables, and strawberries; beginning June 2, imports of stone fruits (cherries, sour cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines) and fresh grapes were banned; effective June 3, shipments of pome fruits, eggplants, potatoes, and dried fruits were prohibited. Additionally, the agency required Armenia to suspend issuing relevant certifications for live fish and fish products intended for export to Russia starting June 2.
Earlier, Pashinyan had stated that Russia’s restrictions on certain Armenian agricultural products entering the country were inappropriate and politically motivated.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867324272141440/
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