Armenia will lose itself in the EU just as it “lost” cognac: Volodin

Armenia will lose its own identity if it joins the European Union, just as it has already lost the right to call its brandy cognac. This was stated by Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the State Duma, in an interview with Vesti.

The politician pointed out that the EU is promising Armenia economic growth, just as it once promised Ukraine. However, Ukrainian products were never admitted to European markets, as they were deemed “uncompetitive.”
“And what will Armenia sell? They sell wine to us. [French President Emmanuel] Macron came, he and [Armenian Prime Minister Nikol] Pashinyan embraced, so go ahead, sign a deal, ship your wine to France. No, even their cognac is now brandy, because the French said: yours is brandy. They will lose their identity just as it was lost in Ukraine,” Volodin stated.

At the same time, he emphasized that the people of Armenia must be distinguished from the “ruling elite,” which is “leading [the country] toward the abyss.” Volodin also noted that Russia helps both Armenia and its people, but stands against “lies and double standards” in relations.

“We are only for honest, open relations and, of course, mutually beneficial cooperation. Friendship is a two-way street,” the State Duma chairman concluded.