Pashinyan urged Putin to open the Russian market to Armenian goods

The bans on the import of Armenian products into Russia contradict the agreements between the two countries, Nikol Pashinyan reminded Vladimir Putin during a phone conversation. The latter, in turn, insisted on holding a referendum in Armenia on joining the EU.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", Rosselkhoznadzor has been systematically introducing restrictions on the import of Armenian products since May 22: fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, greens, and strawberries. In addition, the import of all batches of Armenian mineral water "Jermuk" and several cognacs and wines, as well as fish, was halted. Since June, the ban has been extended to fresh grapes and stone fruits, including cherries and sweet cherries, as well as potatoes, eggplants, pome fruits, and dried fruits. On July 24, the agency announced a new ban on the import of dairy products from Armenia.

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising the issue of restrictions on the supply of Armenian goods to Russia. The conversation was dedicated to exchanging views on the "problems that have arisen in bilateral economic relations," the press service of the Armenian government reported today.

"Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that the restrictions on the export of goods of Armenian origin to the Russian market contradict the legal framework of Armenia - Russia and the regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union," the statement on the official government website says.

According to the press service, Pashinyan "requested measures to be taken to resolve these issues." The specifics of his proposals for resolution are not detailed, but the head of the Armenian government emphasized the readiness to address issues through "open, partnership, and friendly dialogue."

The conversation also discussed the issue of a referendum on Armenia's membership in the European Union. "Pashinyan emphasized that holding a referendum is practically possible only after Armenia submits an official application to the European Union for membership in the EU and when this topic becomes substantive," the publication notes.

The Kremlin, in turn, indicated in the message about the phone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan only the second issue, remaining silent about the first. "The necessity of holding a nationwide referendum in Armenia on joining the EU or further remaining within the Eurasian Economic Union was emphasized," the message on the Kremlin's website states.

The conversation took place "at the initiative of the Armenian side," emphasized the Russian state news agency TASS.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that Nikol Pashinyan visited Yekaterinburg on July 6, where he met with the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin. Armenia cannot sever economic ties with Russia and the EAEU, but has not eliminated the distrust between Yerevan and Moscow against the backdrop of the rhetoric of the Armenian authorities about the country's accession to the European Union, analysts noted, commenting on this trip.