"Armenia" bloc MP: Armenia`s economic dependence on EAEU and Russia  never been so high

ArmInfo. Armenia's economic dependence on the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), particularly on  Russia, has never been more significant. This highlights the ineffective and short-sighted policy pursued by the current authorities.

Artur Khachatryan, the MP for the parliamentary faction  "Armenia", stated at a briefing with journalists on November 27  addressing the request made by Armenia, the current chair of the  EAEU, to move the EAEU summit to St. Petersburg on December 25.

He explained that in light of the country's ratification of the Rome  Statute, which implies the possibility of detaining the Russian  president, there are two parties interested in ensuring that this  event doesn't take place in Armenia.  "First and foremost, Armenia  itself ratified this statute and is obliged to fulfill its  requirements. Therefore, after the visit of the Russian President to  Mongolia, this country found itself under significant pressure.  Now,  the Armenian authorities do not want to find themselves in a similar  situation," Khachatryan explained.

In addition, according to the MP, the Civil Contract faction claimed  that it ratified the statute in order to bring Azerbaijani war  criminals, including Aliyev, to justice. "However, after  ratification, I approached the Minister of Justice and asked: <what  next?.> I was informed that no action was being taken. Now, a year  after the ratification of the Rome Statute, we are still doing  nothing. Thus, the authorities have once again deceived the people.  We have not received any benefit from this step and are at risk of  losing more," the MP added, emphasizing that this undermines trust in  the country, as Armenia is the only EAEU country where the union's  highest body meeting has not been held twice.

 At the same time, according to Khachatryan, the authorities ratified  the statute in hopes of improving relations with the West,  particularly with Europe. However, he noted that on April 5, Europe  announced limitations on cooperation within the framework of the  Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).  "I will say more: according to the draft budget for 2025, fewer  grants are expected compared to last year," Khachatryan added. In  this regard, the MP also touched upon a similar situation with the  CSTO, emphasizing the importance of the country determining its  position. 

According to him, in this situation as well, the authorities are  discussing diversification despite their absence from meetings of  member countries. NATO has not even extended an offer to Armenia to  participate in military exercises. "In my opinion, this is happening  due to pressure from Azerbaijan: they have made it clear that if  Armenia begins to bolster its military potential, they will take  appropriate measures. I do not deny that they are afraid to go  against the will of Azerbaijan," the MP said, noting that authorities  are considering withdrawing lawsuits in international courts under  pressure from Baku.

Touching upon the statements made by Armenian authorities regarding  the diversification of the country's economy, Khachatryan assured  that here too <there is a lot to say>. According to him, in the first  nine months, exports to the EU only accounted for slightly over 4% of  the total export volume, marking a record low. Previously, the EU was  the second, and sometimes, even first economic partner of Armenia. At  the same time, he drew attention to the fact that the country  currently produces practically nothing, stating that the current  authorities have destroyed the Armenian economy and industry.