ST. PETERSBURG, 26 December (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had an argument at an expanded-attendance session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, BelTA has learned.
Belarus will preside over Eurasian Economic Union bodies in 2025. This is why Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested that the next summit should be held in Minsk in late May. “If you have any additional proposals, changes, we will make additional decisions during consultations,” the president said.
The head of state also invited Eurasian Economic Union observers to attend the summit because personal presence is the most efficient format for negotiations. Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the remark does not apply to Armenia because Nikol Pashinyan was absent from the summit due to a good reason (he had been previously diagnosed with the coronavirus).
“Nikol Vovayevich [Pashinyan], it doesn’t apply to you. We know that you have shaved off your beard and have fallen ill a bit. This is why we see you as a new and young (at least on the outside) member of our union,” the president made a joke.
Nikol Pashinyan issued a warning right away that Armenia will take part in the summit via a videoconference call. “We don’t mind the organization of a Supreme Eurasian Economic Council session in Minsk but I’d like to say in advance that our delegation will take part in the session via a videoconference call,” he stated.
“Why is it a problem?” Aleksandr Lukashenko asked for a clarification. “Is Minsk too far? Can’t anyone give you a lift? We will organize the delivery of your delegation if necessary.”
“Aleksandr Grigoryevich [Lukashenko], I have made a public statement about the matter and this statement remains in force. I don’t think it is the right format for discussing these matters. You touched upon a matter and I had to respond right away in order to avoid any misunderstandings,” Nikol Pashinyan avoided giving a direct answer.
The president assured that the proposal of the Armenian side would be considered. However, Nikol Pashinyan continued arguing.
“What is there to consider? You cannot consider my statement because my statement is not subject to consideration,” the prime minister of Armenia persisted.
“We will consider it. We may not have a TV set for your speech,” Aleksandr Lukashenko explained.
“Not a problem, not a problem,” Nikol Pashinyan said and suggested moving on to the document signing procedure.
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