Pashinyan on relations with Russia: Interstate relations should not  be confused with marriage

ArmInfo.  Interstate relations should not be confused with marriage, as stated by Prime  Minister Nikol Pashinyan to journalists on May 11, while commenting  on Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement.

Recall, the day before, the Russian head of state told journalists  that the Armenian authorities could potentially hold a referendum on  the issue of EU accession; if the Armenian people were to support it,  Russia could initiate the process of a "civilized divorce."

In response, the RA Prime Minister noted that the country's  leadership is not currently placing this issue on the agenda.  "I  cannot agree with such a formulation. I have discussed this issue  with the President of the Russian Federation in a working manner.  Both then and now, I have said—and I will repeat: interstate  relations should not be confused with marriage. In its international  dealings, the Republic of Armenia is guided by the logic of  interstate relations. We are members of the Eurasian Economic Union  (EAEU) just like the others, actively participating in all  decision-making. I will state once more: we do not intend to make  this a central issue right now. As for a referendum, we will hold one  when the need arises, but at this moment, there is no objective  necessity for it," the Prime Minister stated.

The Prime Minister emphasized that official Yerevan's policy is  transparent and there is nothing hidden behind it. "In our foreign  policy, we have chosen a balanced and equitable approach, one of the  cornerstones of which is relations based on mutual respect. We have  not, do not, and will not have any goals directed against Russia's  interests, and we will continue to develop and deepen our relations.  This is especially true given that these relations are undergoing a  global transformation, which I personally view positively. But this  is not a matter of political taste; it is an objective process,"  Nikol Pashinyan said.

He noted that relations with the European Union will also develop in  parallel, including in the context of the law "On the initiation of  Armenia's accession process to the EU." Particular attention will be  paid to the development and deepening of democratic institutions.