Lavrov says Armenia faces EAEU-EU choice

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia is facing a test of choosing between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.

“Now neighboring Armenia is also going through the test of this European Union ‘either-or, choose’ approach. President Vladimir Putin spoke in great detail on this issue during his May 9 press conference. Armenia must decide for itself and make its own choice — whether it wants to remain in the EAEU or join the EU. We will respect any choice made by the Armenian people, but that choice must be made,” Lavrov said, according to Izvestia.

According to Lavrov, if Yerevan has already adopted a law launching the process of accession to the European Union, then Armenia’s authorities themselves have framed the issue as a clear-cut choice.

“If such a law exists, it means that you have already posed the issue in a sharp and unambiguous way. In that case, let us be accountable for our words and turn to the people,” the minister emphasized.

In March, the National Assembly of Armenia adopted a bill launching the process of the country’s accession to the European Union. At the same time, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had previously stated that any potential EU membership for Armenia should become a matter of public will and popular decision.