RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan referred to the attempts of RA companies to help bypass Western sanctions against Russia. According to him, this issue is being discussed in all recent meetings with Western partners, “But even before that, this issue was on the agenda of Armenian-Russian discussions. We give the same reaction when dealing with both. We say that Armenia is a member of EAEU, Armenia has strategic partnership relations with Russia, and has deep economic and strategic relations. But due to other circumstances, Armenia cannot allow itself to come under Western sanctions. Therefore, we will act in our relations with the Russian Federation to the extent that will allow us not to come under Western sanctions. Because if we came under those sanctions, firstly, Armenia does not have enough resources to withstand it, and secondly, it will not be better for any of our allies. Third, we will thereby damage our relations with our Western partners. Now everything that fits within what I have said, yes, instructions have been given and are being offered. Instructions are also given to impose strict controls on these instructions.
But we also work with our partners in the private sector on the other hand, because it is possible to violate the sanction carelessly. There are cases when people unknowingly face a problem, they also put the country in front of a problem or create such a potential. We are now working in all directions so as not to violate the sanctions, on the other hand, to be partners with Russia and with partners who have applied sanctions,” said Pashinyan.
According to him, our relations with Iran are no less important, but since 2009, these sanctions have also been in effect against Iran and Armenia keeps them, “So what should we do? If we come under sanctions, will it be better for anyone, will it be better for our friend?
We are also in contact with our western partners, with local companies, with state administration bodies, so that we can be positioned as correctly as possible.”
To the question, are there any Armenian companies that are already under sanctions or are on the threshold, he answered, “I know there are companies that are on the radar so to speak, their activities will be investigated and consequences will be drawn.”
