Pashinyan assures no goal to create crisis with Russia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan assures that the country's authorities do not set themselves the goal of creating a crisis in relations with Russia.

The head of the Armenian government at a joint briefing with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Yerevan does not ignore the interests of international partners, but at the same time is guided by its own interests, reports Sputnik Armenia.

Answering the corresponding question, the head of the Armenian cabinet ruled out the possibility of stopping the process of rapprochement with the European Union.

Commenting on yesterday's telephone conversation with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Pashinyan stated that they agreed to continue discussing topical issues on the bilateral agenda.

"The telephone conversation took place at my initiative. The range of issues discussed was provided in the message. We agreed that more detailed discussions will be held in the near future," he said.

Earlier, the Kremlin stated that Yerevan's desire for integration with the European Union is its sovereign right, but Armenia cannot and should not do this at the expense of the finances of EAEU countries.

On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference 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." According to him, a referendum could be held on this issue.

In turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on May 11 told journalists that Armenia remains a full member of the EAEU, and holding a referendum is possible only if there is an "objective need."

After that, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk stated that some work is being carried out in Armenia to switch to EU standards, and if the country begins to amend technical regulations, then "this will already create certain threats for the EAEU."

At the EAEU summit held on May 29 in Astana, the leaders of the member countries of this union issued a joint statement, which, in particular, spoke about the need to hold a referendum in Armenia as soon as possible on joining the EU or remaining in the EAEU. Russian President Vladimir Putin following the EAEU summit in Astana stated that Armenia could lose 14% of its GDP if it leaves the EAEU.