MOSCOW — Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has characterized Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s response to a report concerning the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as “hasty and even aggressive.”
Pashinyan had previously described the report as a “third attempt to provoke destabilization in the country and deprive it of its independence.”
Addressing the controversy during a press briefing, Zakharova argued that the preparation of the report was neither unexpected nor a new development.
According to Zakharova, the directive to prepare the document had been included in a declaration adopted in May by the presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman also commented on Armenia’s prospects for joining the European Union.
Zakharova claimed that Armenian government officials privately acknowledge, during discussions with Russian representatives, that efforts to pursue EU membership have no realistic prospects.
However, she alleged that Armenian officials avoid making such assessments publicly.
Her remarks reflect continuing disagreements between Moscow and Yerevan over Armenia’s foreign policy direction and its efforts to deepen relations with the European Union.
