The European Union has accused Russia of attempting to influence Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
“It is obvious that the timing is not accidental. Russia seeks to harm Armenia’s economy and influence the outcome of the parliamentary elections,” Anitta Hipper, spokesperson for the European External Action Service, said during a briefing in Brussels on June 1, according to Deutsche Welle.
According to Hipper, Armenia, as a sovereign, democratic, and independent state, has the right to choose its own path and partners.
“We support Armenia’s democratic resilience, including in the face of hybrid threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, as well as attempts to undermine trust in democratic institutions,” Hipper said.
She also added that the European Union will continue supporting Armenia in countering such pressure.
The report notes that Hipper’s remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan called on Armenia to hold a referendum on choosing between possible membership in the European Union and continued participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan rejected the proposal, describing a referendum at this stage as “illogical.”
Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian products. In particular, imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers, and certain alcoholic beverages from Armenia have been banned. Restrictions have also been introduced on a number of agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries. Starting June 2, Russia is also restricting imports of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, and other stone fruits from Armenia, as well as their transit to other EAEU member states.
