Pashinyan and Putin disagreed on the compatibility of Armenia's Euro-integration with membership in the EAEU.
Vladimir Putin, during negotiations with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan, urged the Armenian premier to make a decision on Armenia's accession to the EU as soon as possible. In response, Pashinyan stated that the right moment for this has not yet arrived.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", a referendum on Armenia's accession to the EU will take place after the corresponding application is submitted and a roadmap is formed, said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He also announced plans to achieve visa-free travel with the European Union within three years and to refrain from active participation in the CSTO for the next five years.
During the negotiations between the two leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Vladimir Putin stated that the adoption of a law by Armenia to begin the process of joining the European Union effectively means a declaration of the country's exit from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as simultaneous membership in two economic unions is impossible, reports News.am.
Addressing Pashinyan, Putin noted that the Russian side disagrees with Yerevan's interpretation, according to which the adoption of the law to begin the process of joining the EU does not mean a decision to exit the EAEU. "Dear Nikol Vovaevich, we will have a discussion now. I always find it interesting to discuss any topic with you, including this one. But on the main issue, I must disagree with you," said the Russian president.
According to Putin, the very fact of adopting a law to begin the procedure of joining another economic organization is viewed by Moscow as a declaration of exit from the EAEU. "You said that you did not declare an exit. The adoption of a law to begin the procedure of joining another economic organization effectively means a declaration of exit from ours, because being in both is incompatible. This is the problem," Putin stated.
The Armenian authorities should determine their participation in the EU or EAEU as soon as possible, for example, by holding a referendum, which could serve as a basis for an "intelligent divorce" between the two countries, Putin stated on May 9. Armenia cannot sever economic ties with Russia and the EAEU, however, distrust between Yerevan and Moscow has not been eliminated against the backdrop of the Armenian authorities' rhetoric about the country's accession to the European Union, analysts pointed out.
Pashinyan, in response, stated that the Armenian authorities recognize the need to make a specific choice in the future, but, according to him, the right moment for this has not yet arrived, as a real alternative to the EAEU has not yet been created.
"I have publicly stated that the time will come when a very specific choice needs to be made. Our position is that at this moment, that time has not matured," said the Armenian Prime Minister.
Pashinyan explained this by saying that Armenia currently lacks a real alternative to the existing format of economic integration. "Because, in fact, we currently have no alternative. This alternative has not been created in reality," he stated.
According to the Armenian Prime Minister, if such an alternative is formed in the future, Armenia will be able to make a final decision about its further direction, and the method of making that decision has not yet been determined. "When this is created, if it is created, then, of course, we will make a choice - through a referendum or without it. Well, there are such options too," said Pashinyan.
Putin, for his part, agreed that the final decision should remain with the Armenian people, but urged Yerevan to provide him with the opportunity to make such a choice now. "I agree that the people should always have a choice. So make it. And we will close the topic. That's all," said the Russian president.
Putin called the most straightforward option a direct appeal to the population. "The simplest thing is to appeal to the people and ask: 'What do you want? This or that? And that's it," he stated.
Separately, Putin emphasized that Russia is the main trade and economic partner of Armenia, accounting for about 30%, and an investor in the Armenian economy. In the first half of this year, trade turnover amounted to $2.5 billion. Mutually beneficial projects are being implemented in the fields of industry and agriculture, mining, peaceful atom, transport, and digital economy.
"Russian companies are the largest taxpayers in the Armenian budget, create jobs, transfer modern technologies, and strengthen the country's energy security," noted the Russian president.
Pashinyan agreed that many highly profitable Russian companies operate successfully in Armenia, paying taxes into the budget. However, "these companies need to be divided into two parts: companies that operate successfully, meaning they are profitable and developing; but there are also companies that, unfortunately, are not profitable and not developing. And this is a problem, I think, for both Armenia and the Russian Federation. This is also a question. We need to look at and discuss these issues, these nuances too," said the Prime Minister.
Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan allowed the possibility of appealing to the court regarding the operation of the South Caucasian Railway, which is under concession, and stated that Armenia could demand an annual fee from Russia. In response, the head of the holding, Oleg Belozyorov, stated that RZD was surprised and puzzled by the media reports about the possible introduction of a fee for the rental of Armenia's railway infrastructure. He reminded that all rights and obligations of the parties are outlined in the Concession Agreement, of which the Armenian government is also a party.
The Armenian leader noted that the situation in the region around Armenia has changed in general over the past few years, and that it is necessary to look at the situation from this perspective. "Relations between Russia and Armenia in a conflict situation had a different meaning. And now, when peace has been established in the region, we believe that it is necessary to look at the situation with a fresh perspective. And I think this will serve the development of our relations, and we mean deepening and developing our relations, and this is very important," emphasized Pashinyan.
At the end of the meeting, the Armenian Prime Minister published a video on social media summarizing its results
Pashinyan described the meeting as "very good," stating that they agreed with Putin to continue the "sincere and constructive conversation" during his visit to Moscow. Apparently, it will take place soon, informs Jamnews.
"It should be noted that bilateral relations between Armenia and Russia are extremely important for both countries. […] However, it should also be noted that in the new environment, under new conditions, there is a need to rethink these relations. And as a result of this rethinking, I am convinced, the relations will become better, more constructive, mutually beneficial, and warmer," stated Pashinyan.
"Caucasian Knot" also reported that the Collective Security Treaty Organization should consider the prospects of Armenia's participation in a reasonable time frame. In particular, the issue of depriving Armenia of its voting rights may be considered on November 11, representatives of the participating countries stated.