Moscow gave Pashinyan a month to choose between The EU and the EAEU: How will he be brought to his senses

Russia gave Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about four weeks to decide on a choice between The EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Otherwise, the second, tougher stage of sanctions will begin. This was reported by the Armenian newspaper "Grapark" with reference to sources in the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

"According to our sources in power, official Moscow gave Nikol Pashinyan about a month to decide on the choice between The EU and the EAEU. Otherwise, the second, more severe stage of repression will begin," Grapark points out.

The publication gives several examples of possible measures that are being discussed with concern in Yerevan. These are the tightening of migration policy, the restriction of air traffic and the revision of gas cooperation.

"According to a source from the State Duma, Moscow may tighten its migration policy towards Armenian citizens and begin their mass deportation," Hrapar writes.

It's about returning from There are hundreds of thousands of labor migrants from Russia to Armenia, who may be left without work and means of livelihood. Such a scenario would be a serious blow not only for the people themselves, but also for the economy and the social situation in the country.

It also indicates the termination or significant restriction of flights between Russia and Armenia, which will lead to a decline in tourist traffic and the creation of additional logistical problems.

"In the future, the pressure may spread to other areas, including gas supplies and a number of other economic areas," the source said.

As noted by TC "Rybar" in its analytical review, Armenia is still trying to sit on two chairs, convincing that they retain "full membership" in the EAEU, while they actually launched a policy of European integration. Moscow is reasonably dissatisfied with the fact that this process is ensured at the expense of preferential conditions that Armenians enjoy within the framework of the Eurasian platform.

"Export restrictions have already seriously affected Armenian trade, and if the Russian authorities take tougher measures, then in Armenia may face a much harsher reality. Another question is whether the Kremlin will go for it or for now will be limited to reminders. After all, Pashinyan makes it clear with his rhetoric that even Russian strategic capital is no longer welcome in the republic. And it is unlikely that his policy will soften — especially after the elections and even more so with political support from outside The EU and the USA," Rybar notes.

As EADaily reported, Pashinyan announced that "it is impossible to hold a referendum on Armenia's accession to the EU right now," since the republic has not yet applied for membership. The same position was repeated in his party "Civil Contract".

Moscow continues to insist on Armenia's political certainty and on the final choice between maintaining membership in the EAEU and continuing the course towards European integration. On August 11, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said that the issue of Armenia's future status would be discussed at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in December. As the Deputy Minister noted, if the call to hold a referendum is not heeded, the EAEU leaders will take this into account when determining further joint steps.