Pashinyan, Lukashenko clash at EAEU summit in fiery exchange

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had a heated exchange during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Saint Petersburg.

During the meeting, which Pashinyan attended via videoconference, President Lukashenko proposed holding the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council session and the Eurasian Economic Forum at the end of May in Minsk, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In response, Pashinyan stated that Armenia had no objections to this, but warned that the Armenian delegation would participate via videoconference.

"What’s the problem, is it too far to Minsk or you don’t have anyone to take you there? We can organize transport for your delegation," Lukashenko retorted.

Pashinyan replied that he had already made a public statement on the matter.

"And this statement stands. I don’t think this is the right format to discuss such issues," Pashinyan said.

He added that he reacted immediately, as Lukashenko had raised the topic himself, and he did not want any misunderstandings.

"Well, we’ll consider your statement," Lukashenko responded.

In reply, Pashinyan said there was nothing to consider, and that, in general, the Belarusian president could not review his statement.

"My statement is not up for review," Pashinyan emphasized.

Lukashenko continued, suggesting that there might be "no television in Minsk." Pashinyan responded: "No problem."

"I understand, maybe you’ve had issues with televisions. I understand this," the Armenian Prime Minister quipped.

The exchange ended there, and the participants moved on to signing documents.

By Aghakazim Guliyev