Russia says Pashinyan’s absence from EAEU summit signals Armenia’s priorities

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk has stated that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s decision not to attend the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit in Kazakhstan signals Armenia’s priorities.

Overchuk called on Yerevan to clarify its strategic direction between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union as soon as possible, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

According to him, given the statements and the legislation that have been adopted in Armenia today, Russia would consider it appropriate for Armenia to decide on its choice regarding the EAEU or the EU.

“No one is pushing Armenia out of the EAEU; they themselves have declared a desire to join the EU. They need to decide. The sooner this happens, the better for everyone,” Overchuk stressed.

The deputy prime minister noted that for EAEU member states, Armenia’s participation also means opening internal markets to Armenian goods.

“And this means increased competition from Armenian goods on our domestic market. This is a certain drawback for our economies. Armenia, as an ally of Russia, benefits from preferential energy prices. These issues must be considered in a civilised manner if Armenians decide to leave the EAEU,” Overchuk concluded.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov