Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he did not see an insurmountable problem in the restrictions imposed by Russia on imports of certain Armenian products and pledged to address the issue through existing Eurasian Economic Union mechanisms.
Pashinyan noted that he was the only EAEU official who participated in both of the organization’s governing bodies.
“I have sufficient instruments at my disposal, and if I receive your trust after the elections, I will go and resolve these issues directly,” he said.
According to the prime minister, Armenian exports will continue to grow and are expected to double, including shipments to EAEU member states.
“We should not be forced to choose between peppers and the state. Peppers, roses, and apricots will continue to be grown in Armenia, and our exports will double, including to EAEU countries,” Pashinyan said.
He also claimed that opposition representatives were contacting Russia and urging authorities there to impose restrictions on Armenian exports in an effort to influence public opinion ahead of the elections.
“This is not a people who would trade their homeland for peppers,” he said.
At the same time, the prime minister stressed that he did not intend to engage in disputes with Russia and that friendly relations with Russian partners would continue.
Russia has introduced restrictions on imports of several Armenian products in recent months. The measures have affected Jermuk mineral water, flowers, certain alcoholic beverages and a range of agricultural products. Since June 2, restrictions have also applied to Armenian cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits, as well as their transit to other EAEU member states. Beginning on June 3, additional restrictions were imposed on eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits originating from Armenia. (PanARMENIAN)