Armenian PM Pashinyan Votes, Dismisses EEU Expulsion Fears

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan cast his vote in the country's parliamentary elections on Sunday, asserting that Armenia would not be expelled from the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), a Russia-led economic bloc. He emphasized that decisions within the EEU require consensus, and Armenia, like other members, holds veto power.

Pashinyan criticized the decision by the EEU's other four members – Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan – to demand Armenia hold a referendum on its membership. He described this as a "tactical error" that undermines the EEU's appeal within Armenia. Pashinyan stated that the decision on membership ultimately rests with the people, but noted that Armenia is not currently in a position to seek EU membership, as it lacks candidate status and needs to undertake reforms.

Addressing current tensions with Russia, Pashinyan characterized them as "artificial" and institutional, based on mutual respect. He revealed plans to visit Moscow, Washington, Brussels, and Paris following the elections, where his Civil Contract party is leading in polls. Pashinyan's government aims to reform the constitution and achieve peace with Azerbaijan, which could facilitate transport projects in the South Caucasus supported by the EU and the US. The article also notes recent Russian sanctions against Armenian agricultural imports and threats regarding oil and gas supplies, as well as Russian foreign ministry warnings about the legitimacy of the vote due to Pashinyan's crackdown on alleged vote-buying.

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