Фото: МИД РФ
Russia has summoned its ambassador to Armenia, Sergey Kopyrkin, to Moscow for consultations over steps taken by the Armenian leadership toward closer ties with the European Union that are harming cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The ambassador’s recall followed the signing in Astana on May 29 of a joint statement by the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. In the document, the parties said Armenia’s course toward EU membership poses “significant risks” to the economic security of EAEU member states and supported holding a nationwide referendum in Armenia on a choice between the EU and the EAEU. The signatories also instructed officials to prepare by December a report on the possible consequences of suspending the application of the EAEU treaty with respect to Armenia.
Earlier, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov warned Yerevan about the possible termination of a 2013 agreement on duty-free supplies of gas, petroleum products and diamonds if Armenia continued its course toward joining the European Union. Armenia confirmed receiving the letter and said it would review it and respond as necessary.