Pashinyan says no improvement in exports to Russia (PAN.am)

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, answering a reporter’s question after the government meeting, said he had noticed no change regarding exports of Armenian goods to Russia following his phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“No, I don’t see any,” he replied briefly, Sputnik Armenia reports.

The prime minister also said Armenia needs both the EU and EAEU as long as no alternative has emerged.

“Armenia needs the EU and EAEU equally until the Armenian authorities fulfill their commitment to formulate alternatives and our people are able to make a choice. However, there may also be another choice — there could be a third initiative unrelated to either the EAEU or the EU. And who said that everyone necessarily has to belong somewhere?” he said.

Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian products. In particular, imports from Armenia of Jermuk mineral water, flowers and certain alcoholic beverages have been banned. Restrictions have also been imposed on a number of agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has restricted imports from Armenia of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits, as well as their transit to other EAEU countries. Since June 3, Russia has also restricted imports of Armenian-origin and Armenian-exported eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits.