Armenia's PM Pashinyan Asks Putin to Ease Export Curbs

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan asked Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Monday phone call to help resolve Russian restrictions on Armenian exports, the Armenian government said.

Pashinyan told Putin the trade restrictions violated agreements between Armenia and Russia and breached rules of the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union, according to The Moscow Times, which published the Reuters report. Armenia and Russia are both members of the EAEU. "He asked to take measures to resolve these issues," Pashinyan's office said.

Pashinyan's office said Armenia remained ready to address outstanding disputes through dialogue. The Kremlin said Putin told Pashinyan that the Armenian leader's proposal to seek European Union membership should be put to a referendum "as soon as possible."

Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have become increasingly strained as Armenia deepens ties with the West. Russia last month imposed trade restrictions that temporarily banned imports of Armenian fruit and vegetables, flowers, fish and alcoholic beverages.

Pashinyan visited Russia earlier this month after his Civil Contract party won re-election in June, defeating several pro-Russian opposition parties. Moscow has warned that Armenia could be suspended from the EAEU if it continues pursuing EU membership. Armenia is heavily dependent on Russia for energy supplies, and Russia accounted for about 35% of Armenia's foreign trade last year.