The relations between Armenia and Russia need healing. The Armenian side hopes that after the parliamentary elections it will be possible to discuss the problems with the Russian partners in a constructive atmosphere and find mutually beneficial solutions.
“Armenpress”Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan mentioned this in a conversation with journalists.
Responding to the question about the possible interference in the Armenian elections from abroad, in particular from Russia, the minister mentioned.
“We have seen the statements of their Security Council officials, various other officials, MPs, representatives of the media and expert communities criticizing the authorities of Armenia in sometimes quite sharp words. We also saw certain attempts at guidance, and also economic sanctions, which, whether you like it or not, you somehow associate with the elections, because the issues that are being raised have also existed in previous regions to one degree or another.
I think that the relations between Armenia and Russia need some healing and we hope that, especially after the elections, in a healthy, constructive atmosphere with our Russian partners, we can both heal these relations and discuss the existing problems that occur in the relations of any countries from time to time. Also, find solutions that will be beneficial for both the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation.”
Mirzoyan also expressed that he agrees with the Prime Minister’s observation that the tension in Armenia-Russia relations is artificial.
“Yes, they are definitely artificial because there is no basis for it. In this sense, of course, it is artificial,” he emphasized.
Before the parliamentary elections in Armenia, there were regular announcements from Russia that Armenia should decide as quickly as possible on the issue of choosing between the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union. Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Armenian authorities to organize a referendum on this issue as soon as possible. On May 29, at the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Astana, the leaders of 4 EAEU member states – Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan – adopted a statement with the same content. The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, for his part, stated that he does not see grounds for holding such a referendum at the moment.
Parallel to those statements, Russia has recently applied restrictions on the import of many Armenian products. In particular, the import of “Jermuk” mineral waters, flowers, some alcoholic beverages, and fish products into the Russian Federation was prohibited, and restrictions were applied to the import of fruits and vegetables.
