"The issue is urgent": Lavrov on Armenia's choice between EU and EEU
YEREVAN, June 10. /ARКА/. Armenia needs to quickly choose between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated.
"Armenia has already adopted a law on joining the European Union, so the issue is urgent," Lavrov said at a press conference following the meeting of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers, TASS reported.
He recalled statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of the Russian government that Armenia's membership in the EEU "will have to be dealt with quite quickly."
"Not because we don't respect the choice of the Armenian people. We want to know this choice. Otherwise, it is impossible to implement Armenia's law on joining the European Union and remain in the Eurasian Economic Union, because the norms under which these two associations operate are mutually exclusive," Lavrov stated.
The Russian Foreign Minister also quoted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as saying that the final decision on the integration issue should be made by Armenian citizens in a referendum.
"But for now—and the Armenian leadership actively notes this—there is no talk of leaving the Eurasian Economic Union, 'because we have not yet joined the European Union," Lavrov said.
According to him, Armenia's choice is important because it affects "tariff policy, phytosanitary regulations, and much, much more, affecting everyday life."
"So, this is not about disrespecting Armenia's interests, but about respecting the will of the Armenian people as quickly as possible. So that these people still have the opportunity to choose, rather than being presented with a fait accompli," the Russian minister stated.
Armenian authorities continue to declare their commitment to rapprochement with the EU and the transition to European standards, but intend to maintain membership in the EEU as long as it is possible to combine both.
Moscow, for its part, warns that Armenia's transition to EU standards will have direct economic consequences.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that in such a case, Russia would have to curtail its economic integration with Armenia, and that Armenia could lose up to 14% of its GDP if energy prices rise due to its withdrawal from the EEU.
For his part, Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan stated that gas supplies are currently secured, contacts with partners are ongoing, and the potential risks for the Armenian economy are manageable.-0-
