Tensions between Armenia and Russia reach sharp retorts: “We confuse interstate relations with marriage”
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian announced that he will not participate in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) summit, which will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, on May 28-29, the decision being motivated by the electoral campaign for the parliamentary elections on June 7, but also by the government's busy internal schedule.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. PHOTO: Profimedia
In his place, Armenia will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, Pashinian said, adding that the decision was previously communicated to both the President of Russia and the leader of Kazakhstan.
“I communicated this to the President of the Russian Federation during my visit in April. I also informed the President of Kazakhstan about this decision,” said Pașinian, according to News.az.
Tensions between Yerevan and Moscow
The announcement comes amid recent diplomatic tensions between Yerevan and Moscow. A few days ago, after the Victory Parade in Moscow, in which the Armenian Prime Minister did not participate, Russian President Vladimir Putin made critical statements about Armenia, suggesting that it is gradually moving away from Russia. He said Yerevan should hold a referendum on joining the European Union and exiting the UEA.
Putin compared the situation to other geopolitical processes in the ex-Soviet space, warning of the possible consequences of such decisions.
Pashinian: Armenia remains a full member of the UEA
In reply, Pașinian rejected the idea of one “breakups” by Russia and stressed that Armenia remains an active and full member of the union.
“I do not agree with the term 'divorce.' said the Armenian Prime Minister.
He reiterated that Yerevan does not intend to affect relations with Moscow and that the bilateral dialogue is conducted in a framework “calm, respectful and based on mutual trust”.
Balance between East and West
At the same time, the head of the Armenian government confirmed the continuation of the course of reforms and the rapprochement with the European Union, in parallel with the maintenance of commitments within the UEA.
“I will continue this logic. I express my respect both to the president of the Russian Federation and to Russia. At the same time, we will also advance within the law on deepening relations with the EU and accession to the EU, that is, on the path of democratic reforms. In relations with Russia, an inevitable transformation is taking place, but our objective remains the stability and development of the country”, Pașinian also specified.
