The review of a complaint submitted by Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) has been postponed at the Armenian side’s request, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told reporters.
On October 21, the minister announced that the Armenian government had appealed to the EEC Board, requesting that restrictions imposed on Armenian agricultural products be recognized as trade barriers or artificial obstacles. A meeting to discuss the issue had been scheduled for November 3.
“The postponement is the result of an agreement between our minister in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and me,” he said, according to Sputnik Armenia.
Journalists attempted to establish the specific circumstances behind the decision to postpone the scheduled discussion, but Papoyan declined to answer.
“Not only do I not want to say, but it would also be inappropriate for me to say it. If it were appropriate for me to say it, I would,” the minister said.
Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Rosselkhoznadzor, began imposing restrictions on several products imported from Armenia in May. From June 2, the Russian regulatory authority restricted imports of stone fruits and grapes from Armenia. The restrictions covered sour cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines and grapes. Rosselkhoznadzor justified the measures by citing identified violations and the need to ensure compliance with phytosanitary safety requirements.
