Lukashenko, Pashinyan argued at EAEU summit
The meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in an expanded format, held today in the Leningrad Region, ended with a ‘war of words’ between President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan
In 2025, Belarus will preside over the EAEU bodies. In this regard, Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested that the next summit should be held in Minsk in late May 2025. The Belarusian leader expressed hope that all the parties would take part in the event in person rather than in the online format. At the same time, the Head of State noted that this remark doesn’t concern Nikol Pashinyan, who, as is known, did not come to the meeting due to a coronavirus infection.
“Nikol Vovaevich, we know that you not only shaved off your beard, but also got a little sick... We perceive you as a new, young looking member of our union,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Meanwhile, the Armenian PM immediately warned that he would not attend the meeting in Minsk and would participate online, “We have no objection to holding a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Minsk, but I want to say in advance that our delegation will participate in the meeting via videoconference.”
The Belarusian leader clarified the problem, “Is it far to Minsk or is there no one to give you a ride? We’ll arrange the delivery of your delegation, if necessary.”
Nikol Pashinyan noted that he had made a public statement on this issue and it remains in force, “I don’t think this is the right format to discuss these issues. It’s just that you raised the issue, and I had to react immediately so that there would be no misunderstandings.”
The Belarusian leader, in turn, said that the Armenian side’s proposal would be considered. Meanwhile, Nikol Pashinyan decided to continue the pique, noting that his ‘statement is not subject to consideration’.
“We will consider it, maybe there won’t be a TV set for you to speak online,” Aleksandr Lukashenko explained.
“No problem, no problem,” Nikol Pashinyan agreed and suggested moving on to the procedure of signing documents.
