Overchuk: EAEU summit in Astana to feature discussion on Armenia`s  status within the union   

ArmInfo.The issue of Armenia's choice between the EAEU and the EU is "very complex," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk told TASS.

"Economic and political issues are closely intertwined here. All of  this is unfolding against the backdrop of the election campaign  currently underway in Armenia. There are forces there that advocate  for the preservation of ties with the Eurasian Economic Union. There  are forces striving to lead the country into the European Union. For  our part, of course, we want to see Armenia in the Eurasian Economic  Union," he emphasized. 

"At the same time, we stand for peace in the South Caucasus. And in  fact, Russia's efforts have led to the normal relations being  established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We know that the exchange  of delegations is already underway, and trade between the two  countries has begun. This is an absolutley normal process, and we are  very pleased about it. Armenia's transport system has been partially  unblocked.  Today, Russian grain and fertilizer are arriving by rail  through Azerbaijan and Georgia to Armenia. Russia is also  participating in the unblocking process. All of this strengthens  Armenia. But at the same time, we see that there are forces in  Armenia advocating for rapprochement with the European Union. They  passed a law last April. This law clearly indicates a desire to join  the European Union," the Deputy Prime Minister continued. "In the  current geopolitical situation, when the European Union is  transforming from an economic integration association into a  military-political union, when the EU is militarizing, and  militarizing against Russia and making no secret of it, Armenians  should understand the consequences of such a choice," he noted.

According to Overchuk, Russia does not want Armenia to lose the  economic advantages it currently enjoys.  "Armenians are a close  people to us, and we care about how they live and the future state of  the Armenian economy. On the contrary, we do everything we can to  ensure that the economy flourishes there. But if the choice is in  favor of the EU, then, of course, we have a question. Why should we  support this at the expense of our budget? If Armenia joins countries  unfriendly to Russia, then why should we support it?  You must admit  that it's one thing if Armenia is a member of our union, and quite  another if Armenia moves towards rapprochement with a union of  countries unfriendly to us. We hear from the Armenian side that they  are striving to join the EU and adopt its standards, but at the same  time, they want to remain in the EAEU for now and enjoy all the  economic advantages that EAEU membership provides. It would be better  if Armenia makes a decision quickly; it will be fairer both to  Armenia's allies in the EAEU and to Armenia itself. Moreover, this  uncertainty forces economic operators to take a wait-and-see attitude  and hinders the development of long-term economic relations. But, "I  emphasize, we want Armenia to remain in the EAEU, and the choice is  up to the people of Armenia," the Deputy Prime Minister continued.

In this regard, Overchuk indicated that the current situation will be  discussed by the heads of state at the upcoming meeting of the  Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on May 29 in Astana. "There will be  a discussion there on Armenia's status in the Eurasian Economic  Union. The issue is very complex. I repeat, we don't want Armenia to  leave the EAEU; we want Armenia to continue to prosper, but we see  the problems that will arise in the event of accession or  rapprochement with the EU. In principle, they are already emerging,"  he noted.

Overchuk noted that during Armenia's 11 years of participation in the  EAEU, the country has literally flourished, with its standard of  living and GDP growing. "All of this is happening largely thanks to  the economic preferences that membership in the EAEU provides. No one  can replace these for Armenia," he said.