Russia Imposes Trade Restrictions on Armenia Before June 7 Election
Overview of Russia's Trade Restrictions on Armenia
MOSCOW, May 28 (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday it will impose temporary restrictions on some fruit and vegetable imports from Armenia, as Moscow dials up the pressure on the South Caucasus country ahead of a June 7 parliamentary vote.
Details of the Import Ban
Russia's agricultural safety agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, said the ban on imports of Armenian tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy vegetables and strawberries to Russia would come into effect on Saturday.
Political Context and Motivations
Moscow in recent days has expressed its displeasure at the increasingly warm relationship between Yerevan and the West forged by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is seeking a third term in office.
Potential Economic Consequences
Russia threatened on Wednesday to suspend or terminate the supply of cheap oil, gas and rough diamonds to Armenia if Yerevan pressed ahead with its bid to join the European Union.
A landlocked nation of around 3 million, Armenia hosts Russian military bases and is heavily dependent on Moscow for energy. It imported 82% of its gas from Russia last year.
Previous and Additional Restrictions
The restrictions announced on Thursday follow similar temporary bans introduced by Russia this week against Armenian flowers, mineral water and brandy.
Official Statement and Rationale
Rosselkhoznadzor said it had decided to impose the bans after inspection visits conducted by its agents at Armenian agricultural enterprises this week.
"The decision was taken in response to the increasing number of violations in the supply of Armenian fruit and vegetable products to Russia and to ensure phytosanitary safety. The current situation poses a threat to the phytosanitary status of the country's (Russia's) territory," Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Toby Chopra)
