Ararat Mirzoyan: Question of Armenia's exclusion from EAEU cannot be discussed without its application

The issue of Armenia's withdrawal from the EAEU cannot be discussed until Armenia itself submits such an application and expresses such a desire, said Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

He commented this way on the statement by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk that the topic of Armenia's status in the EAEU would be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on May 29 in Astana. Overchuk called on Yerevan to decide on the choice between the EAEU and the EU.

"We have not expressed such a desire. Therefore, the issue of our exclusion cannot be discussed. This is not provided for by the charter," Mirzoyan said.

When asked when Armenia might make the appropriate decision, Mirzoyan replied that it would happen when such a need arises.

"I cannot speak about timelines. There is no such issue on our agenda," he noted.

The minister also noted that the issue of freezing Armenia's membership in the EAEU without its participation also cannot be discussed.

"This cannot happen. It is not provided for by the charter. The EAEU is an organization guided by consensus decisions. How can this be?" he said.

The head of the Armenian Foreign Ministry emphasized, however, that Yerevan does not intend to introduce tension into Armenian-Russian relations.

Recall that earlier, on May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin also stated that Yerevan should decide as soon as possible on the issue of participation in the EU or the EAEU, allowing for the possibility of an "intelligent divorce." In response, Pashinyan stated to journalists on May 11 that Armenia remains a full member of the EAEU, and holding a referendum is possible only if an "objective need" arises.

Source: Aysor