Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has warned that a failure to quickly resolve restrictions on Armenian exports could mark “the beginning of the end” of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The restrictions are at the centre of a dispute between Russia and Armenia, in which Moscow blocked imports earlier this year of Armenian products, including fish -- a major export industry for Armenia - flowers, fruits and vegetables and other products.
Pashinyan said the restrictions were not solely an Armenian problem, but a challenge affecting the functioning of the entire bloc.
Pashinyan also said the current situation showed that the Eurasian Economic Union was effectively paralysed because it had not done anything to solve the problem.
“If this issue is not resolved quickly, allow me to predict that this will mark the beginning of the end of the EAEU,” he added.
Earlier this week, Pashinyan had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he said the trade restrictions violated agreements between the two countries and breached the rules of the EAEU, of which both are members.
Pashinyan said he also told Putin that Armenia had the right to find different solutions.
“The Republic of Armenia has the legitimate right to develop alternatives for itself. I told the President of Russia that we have declared this course and we will follow it, especially now that the people of the Republic of Armenia have voted in favour of it,” he said.
“As I said during the election campaign, I cannot imagine ending up in a situation as a result of our policies where the Republic of Armenia has no alternatives,” he said.
Pashinyan has also addressed the possibility of holding a referendum on whether Armenia should pursue membership of the European Union or remain in the Eurasian Economic Union.
He said Armenia would first need to formally apply for EU membership before such a referendum could be held.
Moscow has already warned Armenia that it could be suspended from the EAEU if it continues pursuing EU membership.
Armenia is heavily dependent on Russia for energy supplies, while Russia accounted for about 35% of Armenia's foreign trade last year.
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