Armenian FM responds to Putin: When time comes, we will decide

Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and will make its decision on European integration at the appropriate time, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan told News.am.

“We have always said that when the time comes, when we understand that Armenia must make a choice between the EAEU and the EU, that choice will be made. There is nothing new in this. At the moment, we are members of the EAEU, we continue our activities there, and it is no secret that the people of Armenia have European aspirations. When the time for decisions comes — we will decide. Today we are members of the EAEU; no one has said that we are leaving,” Mirzoyan stated.

Earlier, on May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Armenia should determine its position on EU membership as soon as possible, noting that this would be appropriate both for Armenian citizens and for Russia, the country’s main economic partner.

The Russian leader also described a possible referendum on the issue as logical, adding that this would allow for a “gentle, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce” if necessary.

He added that Russia would not oppose any decision that is beneficial to the Armenian people, while emphasizing that several factors must still be taken into account.

By Jeyhun Aghazada