Russia pressures Armenia as Yerevan’s EU push strains Moscow’s old grip
Russia calls Armenia’s push for closer EU ties “unacceptable” while it remains in EAEU. (Photo: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov)
Russia called Armenia’s intention to remain in the Eurasian
Economic Union while seeking to join the European Union “unacceptable,” Russian
outlet Interfax reported.
“Moscow cannot accept the course the Armenian leadership is
pursuing today — namely, that it will remain in the Eurasian Economic Union
until it transitions to membership in the European Union. Such an approach does
not suit us. Such an approach is absolutely unacceptable to us,” Russian Deputy
Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said.
On May 10, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said Armenia’s
plans to join the European Union “require special consideration.”
He said Moscow would allegedly support “everything that
benefits the Armenian people,” with whom Russia has had “special relations for
centuries.” At the same time, the dictator added that it was necessary to “keep
in mind certain circumstances that are important both for us and for our
partners.” Putin did not specify what circumstances he meant.
Putin said Armenia should hold a referendum “as soon as
possible” on whether to choose the European Union or the Eurasian Economic
Union.
In that case, the dictator said, a path toward a “civilized
and mutually beneficial divorce” would be possible.
He also warned of possible consequences if events take a
different course, drawing parallels with Ukraine and repeating the Kremlin
narrative that everything allegedly began “with Ukraine joining or trying to join
the EU.”
On May 7, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said his
country is not Russia’s ally on Ukraine.
“As for the visit of the president of Ukraine, I have
already made a statement on this topic. We have provided humanitarian aid to
Ukraine, and I have already said that we are not Russia’s allies on the issue
of Ukraine,” he stressed.
Pashinyan also said he would not travel to Moscow for the
May 9 parade because he is currently busy with an election campaign.
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