Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has warned that Russia’s restrictions on Armenian exports are calling into question the future of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), saying the dispute could mark “the beginning of the end” for the Moscow-led bloc if it is not resolved soon.
Armenia plans to withdraw Russian border guards from the Akhurik checkpoint on the border with Turkey. A decision to transfer control of the checkpoint has already been made. However, Russian border guards will remain at the outpost.
The condition of the railway infrastructure leading to Turkey is currently being assessed. According to other reports, the Turkish side has begun construction near the Margara checkpoint. These actions, on both the Armenian and Turkish sides, indicate serious intentions to open the border in the near future.
Earlier, Yerevan stated that it was ready for a full settlement of diplomatic relations with Ankara without preconditions, as well as for the opening of the land border. Currently, there are no direct diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia; the border has been closed at Ankara's initiative since 1993.