Russia has stated the importance of Armenia choosing between the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk in a statement to journalists.
According to him, in the context of the legislation adopted and recent statements in Armenia, Yerevan must clarify its position between the EAEU and the European Union.
“We would consider it correct for Armenia to make a choice regarding the EAEU or the European Union,” Overchuk said.
He noted that no one is trying to expel Armenia from the EAEU, but official Yerevan itself has announced its desire for EU membership.
“The sooner they resolve this issue, the better it will be for everyone,” the Russian official added.
Overchuk stated that Armenia's participation in the EAEU means that the markets of other member states are open to Armenian products, which in certain cases increases competition in domestic markets.
He also emphasized that Armenia, as Russia's ally, benefits from concessions on energy resources, and if the country decides to withdraw from the EAEU, these issues should be considered “in a civilized manner.”
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister added that the Armenian leadership currently states that it does not want to withdraw from the EAEU.
Overchuk also commented on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's non-participation in the EAEU leaders' meeting in Kazakhstan on May 28.
According to him, Pashinyan demonstrated his priorities with this step.
