Nikol Pashinyan dismissed recent threats from Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko as “not serious,” the Kyiv Post reports. Pashinyan spoke at a press conference on Sunday after casting his ballot in parliamentary elections. Lukashenko had earlier warned that Armenia’s foreign policy shift could trigger a dangerous conflict similar to the war in Ukraine.
Pashinyan brushed off the warning: “You know, that’s not serious.” The prime minister stressed that Armenia has not yet officially applied for EU candidate status. He rejected calls for an immediate referendum on membership in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) or the European Union, calling such a vote legally and logically premature.
The parliamentary elections in Armenia are seen as a test of Pashinyan’s course away from Russia and toward Western alliances. The prime minister faces pressure both domestically and from regional actors who fear a departure from the EEU. Lukashenko, a close Kremlin ally, issued the warning of a “Ukrainian scenario” to prevent Armenia’s potential Western integration.
Pashinyan made clear that Armenia makes its foreign policy decisions sovereignly. The question of EU membership is not currently urgent, as the candidacy application has not yet been submitted. Observers view the election as a directional decision for the country between Russian influence and European integration.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
