Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan demanded Armenia hold a referendum and choose between the European and Eurasian Unions
A joint statement by Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenka, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Sadyr Japarov states that Yerevan's preparation for EU membership carries "significant risks for the economic security" of EAEU countries.
Photo: Contributor / Getty Images
On May 29, the authorities of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan demanded Armenia hold a referendum and decide whether the country remains part of the Eurasian Economic Union or continues to strive for membership in the European Union, writes Meduza.
A joint statement by Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenka, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Sadyr Japarov states that Yerevan's preparation for EU membership carries "significant risks for the economic security" of EAEU countries. The authors of the statement believe that it is necessary to "prevent related damage."
"We share the position on the necessity of holding a nationwide referendum in Armenia as soon as possible regarding accession to the European Union or further membership in the Eurasian Economic Union."
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that Yerevan, as long as possible, will continue to cooperate simultaneously with both Western countries and EAEU states. According to him, as soon as such an opportunity ceases to exist, the people of Armenia will make their choice.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Armenia on June 7. Against this backdrop, relations between Moscow and Yerevan have sharply deteriorated. Russia accuses the current Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, of a pro-Western course. Moscow also demands that the head of the Russian industrial and construction group Tashir, businessman Samvel Karapetyan, be allowed to participate in the elections. In response to Yerevan's attempts to get closer to the European Union, Russia began to impose restrictions on the import of products from Armenia.
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