Russia said it needs to understand the European Union's position after the Armenian government supported a bill launching the country's accession process to the EU, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it is not possible for Armenia to be a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and the EU at the same time. In recent years, Armenia has deepened its ties with the West at the expense of its close relations with Moscow, which has been criticized for failing to protect it from its long-time rival Azerbaijan.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented at a cabinet meeting possible actions in connection with the bill to start the process of Armenia's accession to the EU, the Armenian news agency ARMENPRESS reported, quoted by BTA.
He stated that the government had no objections to the adoption of the bill, but reminded that a decision to join the EU can only be made through a referendum.
"The adoption of the law does not mean Armenia's literal accession to the EU, because this moment cannot be reached and the decision cannot be made through a law or a government decision. "The decision at this point can only be made through a referendum, there is no other option," Pashinyan said.
"In the event of any scenario, Armenia can become a member of the EU only when a referendum is called and the necessary number of "yes" votes are collected, as provided for in the Constitution," he added. After the adoption of the law, a discussion should be held between Armenia and the EU on the development of a roadmap that would include the views of both the EU and Armenia.