Russian FM: Eurasian Economic Union to discuss EU pressure on Armenia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that the upcoming Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit, scheduled for the end of May in Kazakhstan, will provide member states with an opportunity to discuss attempts to draw Armenia into the Western orbit.

Speaking at a press conference following his participation in a BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov made it clear that the European Union insists on pulling Armenia into its orbit, including at the cost of the benefits Armenia has within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“The opportunity to discuss all these issues honestly and openly will arise at the end of the last week of May, when the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council — the summit — takes place in Kazakhstan,” he noted.

Lavrov added that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had said he would be occupied with an election campaign and would likely be unable to attend the EAEU leaders’ meeting.

“That would, of course, be unfortunate, because it is a good opportunity to discuss issues that are in the air,” the Russian foreign minister added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov