Armenian speaker says EAEU partners push Yerevan toward EU membership
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Armenian parliament speaker Ruben Rubinyan said on August 26 that EAEU partners are pushing Armenia toward EU membership. He was responding to criticism from Russian State Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, who accused Armenia of pursuing a 'deceitful policy' within the EAEU.
Key Facts
- Ruben Rubinyan, speaker of Armenia's parliament, said on August 26 that EAEU partners are pushing Armenia toward EU membership.
- Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia's State Duma, accused Armenia of pursuing a 'deceitful policy' by seeking EU membership while retaining EAEU preferences.
- Rubinyan said a referendum on EU membership can only be held after Armenia applies for membership, receives a positive response, and gains clarity on timelines.
- Rubinyan called restrictions on Armenian businesses unfair and disproportionate, saying they violate the spirit of Armenian-Russian relations and EAEU rules.
Rubinyan's Response
Ruben Rubinyan, speaker of Armenia's parliament, told journalists on August 26 that EAEU partners are pushing Armenia toward EU membership. He was responding to criticism from Russian State Duma chairman Vyacheslav Volodin. Rubinyan said EAEU partners constantly say Armenia must hold a referendum, but that is only possible if the question is formulated. He explained that a referendum cannot be held without accompanying steps.
Referendum Conditions
Rubinyan said a referendum can only be held after Armenia applies for EU membership, receives a positive response, and gains clarity on timelines. He stated that due to the absence of these circumstances, a referendum is currently impossible. Rubinyan assured that Armenian authorities have always been sincere. He said Armenia is not taking steps to worsen relations with Russia, but rather doing everything to maintain normal, friendly relations.
EAEU Trade Restrictions
Rubinyan called restrictions on Armenian businesses unfair and disproportionate. He said these restrictions do not correspond to the spirit of Armenian-Russian relations or EAEU rules. Rubinyan stated that the entire purpose of the EAEU is free and duty-free movement of goods, but de facto such freedom does not exist.
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Armenian speaker says EAEU partners push Yerevan toward EU membership
