The Russian side has given a positive response to resolving the issue of Armenian truckers, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said Thursday during a protest being held in front of the main building of the Armenian government.

“We must continue working. This decision was not made in a single day, and states’ decisions cannot be changed in one day.

The problems reported by the [truck] drivers today are not new to me. We have started working on them before the [truck] drivers actually encountered the issue. After the problem arose, meetings and discussions were held. I cannot say more, as if I did, it would harm you, me, and the [Armenian] government. If I knew it would help, I would say [it]; but it certainly won’t help.

If I say anything additional, it will help the work, including state[-related] matters,” Papoyan told the protesting truckers.

These truckers responded said that if they do not receive a positive response by Monday, they will block the road and create chaos at customs checkpoints.

As reported earlier, a group of truckers are holding a protest in front of the main building of the Armenian government. They are protesting the Russian government’s decision that as of September 10, citizens of countries with visa-free entry to Russia who do not enter the country for work purposes may stay in Russia for a total of 90 days within a calendar year, instead of the previous 180 days. They demand the return of the 180-day system.