Zakharova: Perhaps Yerevan has overeaten Russian carrots and  already  developed an allergy?

ArmInfo.  Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova did not rule out the possibility that Yerevan has overeaten Russian "carrots" and  developed an allergy to them.

During her weekly briefing on June 4, held on the sidelines of the  St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, she was asked to comment  on expert assertions that the Russian Federation is applying a  "stick" policy toward Armenia instead of a "carrot" policy. She  responded: "You mentioned that a number of observers view the  measures Russia is taking to restrict product supplies from Armenia  as a punishment for Yerevan's pro-Western aspirations. I'm just  curious: when there were no restrictions on imports from Armenia what  did they call Moscow's policy then? If it is called punishment in  this instance, what was it before—an encouragement? Was everything  just fine and taken for granted? Or was it considered a norm, or  what?"

  According to Zakharova, Moscow views its interactions as the  development of bilateral relations with Armenia, within which issues  occasionally arise. She added that these matters can be resolved  through political and diplomatic contacts and a sincere, trusting  dialogue that Moscow has always maintained with Armenia.

"May I ask, what about when we provided assistance to Armenia across  all sectors—in energy, culture, the humanitarian sphere, finance, and  trade? Could you specify how much energy resources cost Yerevan and  how much the republic saves because of this? Or how ethnic Armenians,  or those who combine this with the opportunity to live and earn a  living in our country, feel on our territory? When all of this has  been happening for decades, what did observers call it? Why don't  they say, for instance, that Russia overfed them with carrots? And  why don't they ask whether they might already have an allergy to our  carrots?" she stated with indignation.

Zakharova urged against the use of cliches and added that she cuts  off all discussions on this matter, adding that Moscow has always  opposed the use of sanctions and has always resolved issues through  dialogue.  "Claims that Moscow is somehow misbehaving toward Armenia  are simply a distortion [of reality]," she said, adding that Russia  engages with Armenia in a respectful dialogue that is mutually  beneficial, particularly for Armenia itself.

Regarding the restrictions Russia imposed on Armenian products,  Zakharova pointed out that they were accompanied by relevant official  explanations. She reiterated that it is entirely normal for the  Russian Federation to want to understand the direction in which  Armenia intends to move. According to Zakharova, if Yerevan were not  a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), there would be no  questions for it, and it would be its own private matter.  "But they  are part of a collective community. They have obligations. They have  responsibilities. Therefore, I categorically reject such rhetoric,"  the Russian diplomat concluded.