Armenia's leadership has "put the issue bluntly" by adopting a law on the country's path toward the European Union and must now "stand by its words," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Izvestia.

Axar.az reports that Lavrov noted that Armenia is currently facing what he described as the EU's "either-or" approach regarding membership in either the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) or the European Union. He also recalled comments made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the election campaign, when he said he was obliged to offer an alternative and that the Armenian people would make the final decision.

"If that is the case, then those alternatives should be presented and a referendum should be held," Lavrov said.

"A law has already been adopted on the official start of the process toward joining the European Union. If such a law exists, then you have already put the issue bluntly yourself. In that case, you should stand by your words and let the people decide," he added.