Pashinyan links EAEU trade tensions to opposition actions

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has accused Hayastan alliance leader Robert Kocharyan, Strong Armenia alliance leader Samvel Karapetyan and Prosperous Armenia Party chairman Gagik Tsarukyan of creating difficulties for Armenia within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Speaking during a campaign event in the town of Martuni in Gegharkunik Province, Pashinyan said concerns about recent developments involving the EAEU were understandable but argued that certain opposition forces were exploiting the issue during the election period.

“I know there are concerns in Martuni about the processes taking place within the EAEU. The EAEU is based on four key principles: the free movement of goods, services, labor and capital. Today, the three-headed war party — meaning the Hayastan alliance, the Strong Armenia alliance and the Prosperous Armenia Party — is creating problems for its own country through various contacts and connections within the EAEU during the elections. Realizing that they have failed and are heading toward a crushing defeat, they are acting like spies, making calls and taking steps there to create problems for our country,” Armenpress quoted Pashinyan as saying.

The prime minister also commented on his June 1 phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The president of Russia called to congratulate me on my birthday, but we also had practical discussions. We agreed that after the elections I will travel again, we will meet, and we will resolve all current issues,” Pashinyan said.

In recent weeks, Russian officials have repeatedly urged Armenia to make a clear choice between the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union. Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that Armenia organize a referendum on the issue as soon as possible.

Pashinyan has responded by saying that he sees no basis for such a referendum at present because Armenia has not submitted an official application for EU membership.

The presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan have also endorsed the idea of holding a referendum in Armenia on the country’s future orientation.

At the same time, amid these discussions, Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of several Armenian products. The measures affect flowers, certain alcoholic beverages, fish products, Jermuk mineral water, as well as a range of Armenian fruits and vegetables.