Russian FM urges Armenia to “be accountable for its words” on EU path

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Armenia’s leadership must “be accountable for its words” after adopting a law outlining the country’s movement toward the European Union.

Lavrov said Yerevan had effectively “put the question bluntly” by passing legislation initiating an official course toward EU integration, and now faces a choice framed by what he described as the European Union’s “either-or” approach — between membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) or the EU.

He also recalled statements made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the election campaign, when he said he was “obliged to provide an alternative,” while the final decision would rest with the Armenian people.

“If this is the case, then these alternatives must be presented, and a referendum announced,” Lavrov said. “A law has already been adopted to begin official movement toward the European Union. If such a law exists, it means you have already posed the question bluntly yourself, but then let’s be accountable for our words and turn to the people.”

By Tamilla Hasanova