Putin's alliance threatens Armenia with suspension of membership over course toward European Union
Kyiv • UNN
EAEU countries demand Armenia hold a referendum to choose between the union and the EU. A report on the consequences of suspending Yerevan's membership will be prepared by December.
Countries of the Eurasian Economic Union have threatened Armenia with a possible suspension of membership due to its intention to join the European Union. This was reported by Associated Press, according to UNN.
Details
During the EAEU summit in Astana, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan stated that Yerevan's pursuit of EU membership creates "significant risks" for the economic security of the association. Meeting participants commissioned a report to be prepared by December on the possible consequences of suspending Armenia's membership in the union.
Furthermore, the heads of state called on Armenia to hold a referendum where citizens could choose between further movement toward the European Union and maintaining membership in the EAEU. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had previously rejected the idea of such a vote.
Elections in Armenia
The warning came on the eve of the parliamentary elections in Armenia, which will take place on June 7. In recent months, Yerevan has intensified contacts with the US and the EU, and has also suspended its participation in the Moscow-controlled Collective Security Treaty Organization. In response, Russia has already warned of a possible termination of preferential gas supplies and introduced restrictions on the import of several Armenian goods.