Russia says 'if you choose to go, go ahead, I'm not asking you' - Gagik Tsarukyan

Russia is our allied country, and hundreds of thousands of our people are going to Russia to work and bring money back during the winter. This was stated today, on April 20, during a visit to Kotayk province by the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, Gagik Tsarukyan.

“We have 2.5 million Armenians there, we have our entire production, crops, and goods, beverages. We export $3 billion worth of goods to Russia annually. Today, gas is provided to us at the lowest price, and if we choose the path to Europe, what does Russia say? It says, 'I’m sorry, I’m your friend, I’m your ally; if you choose that path, go ahead, I won’t ask or persuade you.' That is why we need to understand that we should not destroy the home we’ve built. We have been in touch with Russia for a thousand years, we have connections, we work together, and Russia knows our market well.

Today, can we export anything from Armenia to Europe? Can our people go to Europe to work and return? Every month, $150-180 million in transfers come from Russia, whether it's a son, daughter, brother, or relative; they work and send money home every month. Our people are not magicians; how can they pay both for gas and electricity and utility bills with just 30,000 drams and still manage to live?” he said.

Commenting on the construction of the statue of Jesus Christ, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party noted that it would bring in a flow of tourists, and homes in that area have already become more expensive. “Now imagine if 20 million tourists come to Armenia, and each spends 2000 euros, that would bring in 40 billion drams to Armenia. Taxi drivers will benefit, small and medium businesses will benefit, builders, bakers, and farmers will all benefit. We need to make two large state investments and be a bridge. We need to collaborate with China today, reach agreements to allow them to establish two automotive factories, and bring Indian companies for the last medical equipment production and exempt them from taxes for 10 years; it's all about creating jobs,” emphasized Gagik Tsarukyan.