Armenia–Russia relations need revitalization, says FM Mirzoyan

The Armenia–Russia relationship needs revitalization, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, a senior member of the Civil Contract party, told reporters after casting his ballot on Sunday in the parliamentary elections.

He said that the Pashinyan administration hopes that, after the parliamentary elections, it will be possible to discuss the emerging issues with Russian partners in a constructive atmosphere and find mutually beneficial solutions.

Asked about possible foreign meddling in Armenia’s elections, particularly from Russia, the minister said:

“We have seen rather sharp statements from officials of their Security Council, various other officials, members of parliament, as well as representatives of media and expert communities, criticizing the Armenian authorities. We have also seen certain attempts at guidance, as well as economic sanctions, which, whether you want it or not, you somehow associate with the elections, because the issues being raised have also existed, to one degree or another, in previous periods.

I think that relations between Armenia and Russia need some revitalization, and we hope that especially after the elections, we will be able to discuss these relations and the existing problems—which arise from time to time in any country’s relations—with our Russian counterparts in a healthy, constructive atmosphere. We should also find solutions that will be beneficial for both the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation.”

Mirzoyan also stated that he agrees with the Prime Minister’s view that the tension in Armenia–Russia relations is artificial.

“Yes, they are absolutely artificial, because there is no basis for them. In this regard, of course, it is artificial,” he emphasized, referring to the growing Russian import restrictions on Armenian goods amid Yerevan’s EU integration moves.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Sunday appeared to accuse some political forces in Armenia of exploiting what he described as the usual export-import issues within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).  Pashinyan was asked by reporters about Russia’s growing restrictions in recent weeks on the import of Armenian goods. 

The Armenian prime minister, speaking outside a polling station after casting his vote in the parliamentary elections, said that such matters pertaining to phytosanitary standards and re-exports are constantly arising and are discussed regularly between EAEU members, of which Armenia and Russia are both members.