Pashinyan promised to compensate farmers for crops they cannot deliver to Russia
"Today we are at the stage of a strategic choice."
Nikol Pashinyan. Photo: Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan promised to compensate farmers for crops they cannot deliver to Russia due to restrictions imposed by Moscow.
"Today we are at the stage of a strategic choice. We are deciding the issue of our state, the republic, and the acquisition of a new quality by the state. And I say: if the pepper spoils — I will pay for this pepper, the government will pay. But as a result of all this, both pepper production in Armenia and exports will grow," Nikol Pashinyan stated.
Since June 2, Russia has temporarily banned the import of a number of fruits from Armenia to Russia. The ban includes: cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, grapes.
Last week, a ban was introduced on strawberries, greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and several brands of brandy and wine.
Relations between Russia and Armenia have escalated as Yerevan began establishing ties with Western countries. Vladimir Putin stated that if Armenia joins the European Union, Moscow would "curtail" all economic integration with Yerevan and stop purchasing goods from Armenia.
Also, at the Astana summit on May 28, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan demanded that Armenia hold a referendum on the choice between the EU or the Eurasian Economic Community. Russia recalled its ambassador from Yerevan.
Parliamentary elections will be held in Armenia on June 7. Russia is betting on Samvel Karapetyan's "Prosperous Armenia" and allegedly planned to bring 100,000 Armenians into the country during the elections, as voting from abroad is prohibited.
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