Mirzoyan Responds to Putin: Armenia Is Not Planning a “Divorce” With Any Partner

YEREVAN — Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Armenia is not planning a “divorce” in its relations with any partner, responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement that Armenia should soon decide between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union.

“We are not planning to have a divorce with any partner in our relations,” Mirzoyan said.

On May 9, Putin said Armenia’s plans to join the European Union “require special consideration.”

“In my opinion, it would be right, both toward Armenia’s population and citizens, and toward us as Armenia’s main economic partner, to make a decision as soon as possible — for example, by holding a referendum. It is not our business, but in principle, it would be logical to hold a referendum and ask Armenian citizens what their choice would be. Based on that, we would also draw the appropriate conclusions and move toward a soft, intelligent, and mutually beneficial divorce,” Putin said.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Lithuania’s foreign minister, Mirzoyan said politics and diplomacy do not recognize such “divorces.”

“We are not going to create conflict — or, more appropriately, tension — in Armenia-Russia relations. We are partners connected by many ties, and we are committed to discussing the mutually beneficial development of those relations in a healthy environment,” Mirzoyan said.

He acknowledged that problems exist in the relationship, but said such issues are present in all international relations and should be resolved through constructive discussions.

The Armenian foreign minister stressed that all sides must treat with great respect the right of each party to make independent decisions on any issue.

“We understand very well, and it is not Russia that needs to tell us, that membership in the EAEU and membership in the EU are incompatible. It is impossible for us to remain in the EAEU and become an EU member. We will continue our rapprochement with the European Union, and when the moment comes for us to decide whether to be part of this group or that family of countries, we will make that decision,” Mirzoyan said.