Galuzin: Armenia Cannot “Dance at Two Weddings” at the Same Time

MOSCOW — Armenia cannot be a member of both the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said following a meeting of a special group of Russia’s Security Council on cooperation with neighboring countries.

“As they say, Armenia will not succeed in dancing at two weddings at the same time,” Galuzin said, according to Russian media.

Galuzin said Moscow considers unacceptable the position of Armenian authorities, who intend to maintain membership in the EAEU until Armenia receives EU membership.

The Russian deputy foreign minister also accused the West of trying to use Armenia against Russia. He described Armenia’s possible EU membership as a “populist slogan,” similar to those previously used in the cases of Ukraine and Moldova.

Galuzin further accused the EU of attempting to influence Armenia’s upcoming elections, claiming that “Russia, unlike the European Union, does not interfere in Armenia’s internal affairs.”

Moscow hopes Armenian society will “remain calm” and will not allow the country to be drawn into confrontation with Russia, Galuzin said.