Mirzoyan expects normal partnership with Russia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Yerevan will continue working with the Russian side in a constructive environment to resolve existing problems. He made the statement during a pre-election televised debate while responding to a question about what Armenia is doing to prevent a possible crisis in Armenian-Russian relations.

“We are working, and will continue to work, with our Russian partners in a constructive and professional atmosphere to smooth over and clarify all emerging issues. Armenia and Russia have normal partnership relations ahead of them,” the minister said.

On May 29, during a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council in Astana, the presidents of four member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) — Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan — adopted a statement regarding the situation in Armenia.

The statement proposes that Armenia hold a referendum as soon as possible on choosing between the EAEU and the European Union.

In recent days, various Russian officials have also stated that if Armenia continues moving toward the European Union, it could lose access to preferential gas supplies from Russia.

In addition, Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian products. Specifically, imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers, and certain alcoholic beverages from Armenia have been banned.

Restrictions have also been introduced on a number of agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has restricted the import of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits from Armenia, as well as their transit to other EAEU member states. Since June 3, Russia has also restricted imports of Armenian-origin eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits.