"All parties are concentrating on a swift resolution": Zakharova on protests by Armenian truck drivers
YEREVAN, October 23. /ARКА/. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated today that all stakeholders are concentrating on a swift resolution to the issues faced by Armenian truck drivers.
In recent weeks, truck drivers have organized multiple protests outside the Armenian government building and at three checkpoints along the Armenian-Georgian border. They are unhappy with the reduction in the duration of stay for foreigners in Russia (limited to 90 days per calendar year) and are urging the Armenian authorities to ask their Russian peers to abolish this limitation.
"Considering that demonstrations are occurring in Armenia, not only concerning truck drivers but also regarding other significant matters, it appears to me that this is not the sole issue at hand," Zakharova remarked during a press briefing on Thursday.
Concerning the truckers' situation, she indicated that the relevant Russian agencies – the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Transport – are addressing the matter.
"Thus, if there is a specific inquiry, we will direct it to these pertinent agencies. We are all dedicated to a swift resolution. I regret to inform you that no one can provide a specific timeline regarding the resolution process. I can consult with our colleagues and offer a more comprehensive response, if required," Zakharova stated in response to reporters' questions.
In reaction to the truckers' protests, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan mentioned that Yerevan has already formally approached Moscow with a proposal to modify the legal limit on the duration of stay for foreigners in Russia.
According to the minister, the Russian side has responded favorably, and an internal process for discussing the legislative initiative has already commenced. Papoyan also noted that this matter will be addressed at the Eurasian Economic Commission Board meeting on October 24.
Beginning on January 1, 2025, individuals from visa-exempt nations, including Armenia, who enter Russia for reasons other than employment, will be permitted to remain in the Russian Federation for a maximum of 90 days each calendar year (as opposed to the previous allowance of 90 days within any 180-day period). This limitation is applicable to truck drivers, passenger transport operators, pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance staff, train operators, and others.
Foreign nationals who have breached this regulation were required to rectify their residency status in the Russian Federation by September 10 to evade administrative penalties. Sanctions may include a three-year prohibition on entry (for surpassing the 90-180 day threshold), a five-year prohibition (for exceeding 180-270 days), or a ten-year prohibition (for exceeding 270 days).
In the last month, heightened enforcement measures have been introduced, leading to the inclusion of numerous Armenian citizen drivers in a specialized registry of offenders.-0-
