Zakharova: "We do not intend to tolerate Armenia's dependent position on the EEU"
YEREVAN, June 10. /ARКА/. The Armenian leadership is trying to convince its fellow citizens that there is no need to choose between the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) , said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
"We can, they say, receive all the benefits of Eurasian integration while simultaneously preparing to request membership in another economic bloc… We will not tolerate such a dependent position of Armenia on the EEU and our EEU partners," she said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
According to Zakharova, the Russian side has repeatedly stated that its relations with Armenia are not subject to market fluctuations, and that concrete steps and actions are what matter.
"We have observed that the Armenian authorities have been moving toward the European Union at an accelerated pace, verbally, through statements, and through their actions, demonstrating this in every way possible. Are they welcome there? I think the answer is already obvious. Even those countries that have candidate status are not welcome. And if there are no statuses close to those of a candidate, then it's clear they are not welcome," she added.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson recalled that on May 29, at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia adopted a joint statement stating that Armenia's preparations for EU accession are fraught with significant risks to the economic security of the EEU member states.
"In this regard, the governments of the four countries have been instructed to conduct a joint analysis of this issue by the end of this year. This work will be carried out taking into account specific actions, not political statements, from the Armenian side," Zakharova concluded.
On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Armenia should decide as soon as possible whether to join the EU or the EEU "for an intelligent divorce."
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan stated on June 1 that Armenia's choice between the EEU and the EU is currently theoretical, and putting it to a referendum is unfounded. He explained that unless Armenia has officially applied to the European Union for membership or is very close to candidate status for EU membership, holding a referendum is illogical.-0-
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