EAEU cannot exclude Armenia without Yerevan’s request, FM says

The issue of a possible Armenian withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) cannot be discussed without an official request from Yerevan, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has stated.

In response to remarks by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, he said Armenia has not yet expressed such a desire, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“Therefore, the issue of our exclusion cannot be discussed. This is not envisaged under the statute. The EAEU is an organisation that operates on consensus-based decisions,” Mirzoyan noted.

Asked when Armenia might make a relevant decision, he replied that it would happen only if such a need arises.

“I cannot speak about timelines. This issue is not on our agenda at the moment,” he added.

Earlier, Overchuk stated that Armenia’s status in the EAEU would be discussed at the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting scheduled for May 29 in Astana.

He made it clear that Yerevan should decide between Eurasian and European integration paths.

Mirzoyan said Armenia does not intend to create tensions in relations with Russia.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov