Russian President Vladimir Putin has commented on Armenia’s European Union aspirations and its continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek.
Putin said that adopting a law launching the process of joining another organization effectively amounts to declaring an intention to leave the existing integration bloc.
“The adoption of a law launching the procedure for joining another organization means a declaration of withdrawal from the current organization,” Putin said, referring to the EU and the EAEU.
The Russian president also suggested that Armenian citizens should ultimately be given the opportunity to decide which direction they want the country to pursue.
At the same time, Putin said Moscow expects Yerevan to clarify its future choice regarding the EU and the EAEU as soon as possible, so that Russia can understand how to structure its future relations with Armenia.
Earlier during the same meeting, Putin said Armenia’s aspiration to join the European Union is its legitimate right, but noted that the process creates difficulties because Armenia remains a member of the EAEU.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously stated that Armenia is moving toward meeting EU standards while continuing its membership in the EAEU. According to Pashinyan, if pursuing both directions simultaneously eventually becomes impossible, the country’s future choice will be made together with the citizens of Armenia.
