Armenia has appealed the restrictions imposed by Russia on Armenian goods and expects them to be lifted through mechanisms provided within the Eurasian Economic Union, the Deputy Economy Minister Tigran Gasparyan has told reporters.
According to him, not only Armenia’s direct contacts with Russia are important, but also the opportunities available to Armenia within the EAEU.
“There are specific mechanisms that can be used to remove the barriers. We have appealed, and we hope and are confident that the mechanisms should work so that the barriers are removed,” he said.
On May 29, during a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Astana, the presidents of four EAEU member states – Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan – adopted a statement regarding the situation in Armenia. Armenia was urged to hold a referendum as soon as possible on choosing between the EAEU and the European Union. In recent days, various Russian officials have also said that if Armenia continued moving toward the European Union, it could lose the opportunity to purchase Russian gas on preferential terms.
In addition, Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian products. In particular, imports from Armenia of Jermuk mineral water, flowers and certain alcoholic beverages have been banned. Restrictions have also been imposed on several agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has restricted imports from Armenia of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits, as well as their transit to other EAEU countries. Since June 3, Russia has restricted imports of eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits originating in and exported from Armenia. (Panam)