Russia warns Armenia could lose cheap gas over EU push
Russia said Armenia could lose its preferential gas price if it shifts away from Russian-led integration toward the EU. Armenia's foreign minister said Yerevan does not want to sever ties with Moscow.
MOSCOW: The Kremlin said on Monday that Armenia could forfeit the highly favourable price it receives for Russian gas if it moved away from integration with Russia.
Armenia is part of a Russian-led economic union and relies heavily on Russia for energy supplies. In recent years, however, Yerevan has pursued closer relations with the European Union, including the adoption last year of a law to begin its accession process to the bloc.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking to reporters, said Armenia currently benefits from a very low gas price from Russia because of existing integration arrangements. He said such terms would not apply within other integration frameworks, where pricing is based on market rates.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Armenia did not want to cut its political and economic ties with Russia. Interfax quoted him as telling reporters in Yerevan on Monday that Armenia wanted to maintain and strengthen normal relations with Moscow.
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