Pashinyan vows to resolve EAEU trade issues

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he does not see an insurmountable problem in the restrictions imposed by Russia on imports of certain Armenian products and pledged to address the issue through existing Eurasian Economic Union mechanisms.

Speaking in Tsovinar, Pashinyan noted that he is the only EAEU official who participates in both of the organization’s governing bodies.

“I have sufficient instruments at my disposal, and if I receive your trust after the elections, I will go and resolve these issues directly,” he was quoted as saying by Aysor.am .

According to the prime minister, Armenian exports will continue to grow and are expected to double, including shipments to EAEU member states.

“We should not be forced to choose between peppers and the state. Peppers, roses, and apricots will continue to be grown in Armenia, and our exports will double, including to EAEU countries,” Pashinyan said.

He also claimed that opposition representatives are contacting Russia and urging authorities there to impose restrictions on Armenian exports in an effort to influence public opinion ahead of the elections.

“This is not a people who would trade their homeland for peppers,” he said.

At the same time, the prime minister stressed that he does not intend to engage in disputes with Russia and that friendly relations with Russian partners will continue.

Russia has introduced restrictions on imports of several Armenian products in recent months. The measures have affected Jermuk mineral water, flowers, certain alcoholic beverages and a range of agricultural products. Since June 2, restrictions have also applied to Armenian cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits, as well as their transit to other EAEU member states. Beginning June 3, additional restrictions were imposed on eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits originating from Armenia.