Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, speaking to journalists after the EAEU summit in Astana, advised the people of Armenia to be very cautious when choosing their future path, whether with the EAEU or the European Union, BelTA has learned.
The head of state stressed that many statements in Armenia now are linked to the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June. For the same reason, discussions are being stirred about a possible Armenian exit from the EAEU and a turn toward EU membership. EAEU leaders adopted a joint statement after the summit in Astana, supporting the idea of holding a referendum in Armenia on this issue.
“We are not pressuring the Armenian people, but political games ahead of the elections are obvious. Naturally, everything is being twisted for the elections. But the Armenian leadership is acting wrongly, and this behavior amounts to disrespect toward the EAEU: this view was unanimously shared by all EAEU members,” the Belarusian leader noted. He added that Armenia was represented at the summit by Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and the positions of the parties were voiced in his presence.
“Armenians need to be cautious so as not to repeat what happened in Ukraine, God forbid. Everything started exactly the same way there. You remember that. Armenians, who have just come out of one war, must not fall into a difficult situation because of this. Do not rush. Think carefully, be wise,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “The Armenian people must think very seriously before taking such a step. That is the only thing I encourage them to do. Whatever the people decide, we will agree with it."
The Belarusian president warned that certain external actors benefit from the current situation in Armenia and hinted at who exactly: “Someone benefits from this. They came, gathered people there (you know which Europeans were present), made a pile of promises… [the EU-Armenia bilateral summit was held in Yerevan in early May]. Although we did not hear those promises, only condemnations: ‘Belarus and Russia are such-and-such.’ Of course, we are not perfect. But look at yourselves,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
