EU commissioner makes Armenian apricot jam

PanARMENIAN.Net - European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has made jam from Armenian apricots and called on consumers to support Armenian farmers.

In a post on Instagram accompanied by photos, Kos described the initiative as a show of support for Armenia's democratic choice.

She said that, in last month's elections in Armenia, a majority of voters supported political forces advocating closer cooperation with the European Union. Kos added that Russia had attempted to influence the vote by restricting imports of Armenian fruit and flowers, while the EU has supported Armenia by opening its market to a significant share of those products.

"That is why I visited Armenia last week and returned to Brussels with a large basket full of Armenian apricots. I gave most of them to my friends and made jam from the rest. One of my friends called it 'jars of freedom,' which I think is a beautiful expression.

The next time you are in a supermarket, look for Armenian apricots, plums or cherries. It's a small step that can help support Armenian farmers and defend the country's democratic choice. This initiative is being actively encouraged by European Union officials, who emphasize that buying Armenian products is important for the country's economy," the post said.

Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of several Armenian products. In particular, it has banned imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers and certain alcoholic beverages from Armenia. Restrictions have also been introduced on a number of agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has restricted imports of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits from Armenia, as well as their transit to other member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. Since June 3, Russia has also restricted imports of eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits originating from and exported by Armenia.