"Let them not put before us a choice between pepper and the state": Pashinyan on Russia's ban on product exports
"Let them not put before us a choice between pepper and the state. Roses, peppers, and apricots will grow in Armenia, and exports will double, increase fourfold, including to EAEU countries," Pashinyan added.
He noted that within the EAEU he possesses "sufficient levers to solve all problems on the spot after the elections."
As reported, Rosselkhoznadzor from May 22 introduced a ban on supplies from Armenia of flowers, from May 30 introduced temporary restrictions on the import of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green crops and strawberries from Armenia, from June 2 on the import of stone fruit (cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines) and fresh grapes from Armenia, from June 3 on the import from Armenia of pome fruits, eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits. In addition, according to the agency, Armenia from June 2 must suspend certification of live fish and fish products intended for export to the Russian Federation.
On Tuesday Pashinyan called the ban on the import to Russia of certain types of Armenian products wrong and politicized. He noted that Armenia understands the advantages of EAEU membership, but the union must open new opportunities, "so that the image of the EAEU in Armenia grows, and not the opposite."
"If restrictions are already being introduced, this creates a negative perception among citizens of Armenia regarding the EAEU," he said.
"As for phytosanitary issues, this is a normal thing, it should exist, the quality of goods supplied to EAEU countries is very important. But at the moment this is being politicized," Pashinyan stated.
He also reported that the first batch of Armenian goods banned from import to Russia has been sent to other countries. "A number of business delegations are already working, the first batch of roses and vegetables has been sent, it will reach its destination, I will say to which countries it has been sent. Not a single product will remain. These are EU markets and other markets," Pashinyan said.
Source: Interfax
