Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Armenia needs to choose between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as soon as possible. She called the argument that it is too early to hold a referendum on this issue “akin to manipulation.”
“It’s the same as when two people live in a family, but one of them is already sort of living in another family. And the other asks, ‘Please tell me, where exactly do you belong? Do we have a family together, or are you already sort of in another family?’” And the answer is, ‘Not once, not twice, not even once and a half.’ As if to say, ‘We’ll figure it out later.’ When exactly is ‘later’? When, excuse me, do they start hauling out the furniture? This is just basic decency,” Maria Zakharova said at a briefing. “It’s like, ‘If they agree to take me in somewhere, then I’ll tell you—am I your husband or not? For now, let’s just say I am. Although I do have another multifaceted prospect,’” she added.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he sees no violations of agreements with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in his country’s pursuit of EU membership. The Russian president emphasized that the republic needs to make up its mind “as soon as possible” in order to adjust its trade and economic policy.
Armenia does not have EU candidate status, but last year the country passed a law to begin the process of joining the union. At that time, the government explained that after discussing the roadmap for European integration, the question of EU membership would be put to a referendum.