Pashinyan: Russia sees Armenia's new options as strategic challenge PHOTO

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Russia sees the emergence of alternatives for Armenia as a problem, as Yerevan reassesses its foreign policy and economic ties.

Speaking on July 30, Pashinyan said Armenia was discussing the future format of its engagement with Türkiye, including the possible appointment of a new special envoy for the normalisation of relations with Ankara, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Addressing ties with Moscow, he said: "Russia sees a problem in the fact that Armenia now has an alternative."

Pashinyan also reaffirmed Armenia's position on the country's railway network, saying it remained Armenian property and should be operated according to Yerevan's own decisions. He said the issue was not discussed during his recent telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin but stressed there was "no alternative" to resolving the matter.

While expressing a preference for a peaceful settlement, Pashinyan said Armenia could formally recognise the existence of a dispute and seek international arbitration if necessary.

The Armenian prime minister previously argued in February that Russian management of Armenia's railway network had weakened the country's competitive position amid efforts to reopen regional transport links.

Pashinyan also said he would raise restrictions on Armenian exports at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Intergovernmental Council meeting on 6 August, arguing that limitations on Armenian goods entering the Russian market had effectively paralysed the bloc.

"If this issue is not resolved, Armenia will survive it, but the EAEU will not," he said.

Separately, Pashinyan announced that Melania Harutyunyan will be appointed as the prime minister's new press secretary.

By Aghakazim Guliyev