Armenia files complaint with EAEU over Russian restrictions — deputy minister

Armenia has filed a complaint with the EAEU over restrictions on imports of goods into Russia, Deputy Minister of Economy of the republic Tigran Gasparyan said.

"What matters here is not only contacts with Russia, but also the opportunities available within the EAEU. There are specific mechanisms that can be applied so that such obstacles disappear. We are actively using these opportunities. We have filed a complaint and we are confident that the mechanisms should start working and the restrictions will be lifted," Gasparyan said.

He noted that, in the opinion of the Armenian government, the Russian restrictions do not comply with the principles and agreements of the Eurasian Union.

"We are fighting for the EAEU to function in accordance with its principles," Gasparyan said.

Since May, Rosselkhoznadzor has gradually introduced restrictions on supplies of products from Armenia. The restrictions successively affected flowers, vegetables, berries, fruits, grapes, potatoes and dried fruits, and since June 12 — practically all products of plant origin, with the exception of canned goods. Restrictions were also imposed on supplies of fish products from Armenian enterprises.

Rosselkhoznadzor explains the measures taken by the violations of phytosanitary and veterinary-sanitary requirements that have been identified. At the same time, Russia remains the main sales market for Armenian agricultural products — it accounts for more than 90% of the corresponding exports. The head of Rosselkhoznadzor, Sergei Dankvert, stated that the restrictions on supplies of Armenian agricultural products are linked to the absence of effective quality control among producers, and not to politics.

Source: Sputnik Armenia