Russian MP: Armenian authorities are unlikely to hastily withdraw from EAEU
ArmInfo. The Armenian authorities are unlikely to hastily withdraw from the Eurasian Union (EAEU), as stated by Konstantin Zatulin, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots to "Abzats".
"Membership in the Eurasian Union is beneficial for Armenia and has been a key factor in the country's recent economic growth, mainly due to the difficulties, sanctions and other problems faced by the Russian Federation. Armenia benefits from its role as a customs logistics hub and a refuge for relocators and capital, which is why it is unlikely to leave the Eurasian Union on its own initiative. However, I do not rule out that sooner or later, Mr. [Prime Minister Nikol] Pashinyan's new friends, or rather his old friends who are now in power, I mean Western friends, may eventually demand from him a display of strong loyalty on this matter," he said.
At the same time, he drew attention to the fact that the Armenian government, is demonstrating a desire to minimize its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and potentially withdraw from it in the future. "This has already happened, I mean the freezing of relations. Armenia does not participate in the CSTO events, and has essentially suspended its membership. I do not rule out that the issue of the Russian military base in Gyumri may come up at some point. Especially since Pashinyan, before becoming prime minister, was actively advocating for the Russian military to leave Armenia," the MP added.