Overchuk says EU has become military-political bloc

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is seeking to convey to Armenia its assessment that the European Union has effectively transformed into a military-political association, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has said.

According to him, Russia has raised this issue on numerous occasions in the past and continues to do so, drawing attention to what it describes as the EU’s attitude toward Russia, Vesti.ru reports.

“We have constantly discussed this issue with Armenia, and these conversations have continued for more than a year. Naturally, everything took place behind closed doors because we did not want to make it public. We said that the European Union today is no longer the economic integration entity it once was. Today, it is a union that has effectively transformed into a military-political association and openly declares its hostile attitude toward our country.

Of course, we have drawn and continue to draw the attention of our Armenian partners, friends and allies to this circumstance so that they think carefully about what they are doing,” Overchuk said.

Earlier, he stated that Armenia believes the European Union could create more favorable conditions for the country’s economic development. However, in Overchuk’s assessment, the EU now represents not an economic integration structure but a military-political bloc.

Russia has imposed restrictions on the import of certain Armenian products. In particular, imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers and some alcoholic beverages from Armenia have been banned. Restrictions have also been introduced on several agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries.

Since June 2, Russia has restricted the import and transit to other Eurasian Economic Union member states of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits originating from Armenia. Since June 3, Russia has also restricted imports of eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits exported from Armenia.