Moscow Awaits Clarification from Armenia on Security Relations, Dismisses WSJ

In its relations with Yerevan, Moscow expects to receive information about what Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan meant when he spoke about “the need to diversify relations in the security sector.” This statement was reported by Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary of the Russian President, as per TASS.

“In this case, we are not inclined to accept The Wall Street Journal as a source, so we still need to understand what Mr. Pashinyan talked about. And, of course, we expect to receive all the information on this account in the conversation with our Armenian friends. And, of course, it is not appropriate for Russia and Armenia to communicate through newspapers, especially The Wall Street Journal. Therefore, we continue the conversation, the dialogue with our Armenian friends, and we will continue to do so; we have a very broad agenda,” Peskov noted.

The Kremlin’s spokesperson also mentioned that Russia remains committed to its endeavors, actively seeking to facilitate Baku and Yerevan in ultimately signing a peace treaty. He emphasized that this step is vital for stabilizing the situation in the region and improving the overall standard of living.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Azerbaijan's aggressive actions and the Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) inaction effectively prompted them to consider the need to broaden their security-related partnerships.

In the weekly briefing, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, commented on the interview given by Nikol Pashonyan to The Wall Street Journal. They noted that Moscow observes how Western media actively pursue officials from Yerevan, seeking answers to provocative questions.

“It appears that the objective of these inquiries is to harm the extensive relationship between Moscow and Yerevan as much as possible. Regrettably, such provocations are effective in the current Armenian context. We also often receive provocative questions but prefer to address issues in our relations, especially with Armenia, through bilateral channels,” Zakharova said.

According to her, the interview attempts to diminish the significance of Armenia's relationship with Russia, minimize the role of Russian border guards in ensuring security, and question the effectiveness of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and Russian peacekeepers.

"Let me remind you of the facts. The rapid growth of the Armenian economy in recent years [12.6% in 2022] and the improvement of the population's welfare are largely due to the close trade and economic interaction with Russia, the implementation of major joint projects, and the country's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union," the the official representative of the Russian MFA stated. "Russia is also the main investor in Armenia's economy. More than 4.5 thousand companies with Russian capital operate in the country, which are among the largest taxpayers and employers," Zakharova added.

Russian Foreign Ministry Summons Armenian Chargé d'Affaires

The Chargé d'Affaires of Armenia was called to the Russian Foreign Ministry, as announced by Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s official spokesperson, during a press briefing on October 26.

Zakharova stated: “On October 25, the Armenian Chargé d'Affaires in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry. His attention was drawn to the most odious publications directed at the Russian leadership, Russian diplomats, and the peacekeepers who risk and sacrifice their lives for the sake of the security of the Armenian people.”

Zakharova emphasized the unacceptability of the ongoing anti-Russian campaign in Armenia's information space, including Public Television, government-controlled media, and Telegram channels.

Read also: 

Nikol Pashinyan: "Armenia Will Diversify Its Relations in Security Sector"

Armenia Summons Russian Ambassador to Foreign Ministry Over Controversial Remarks on Russian "Channel One" Against Yerevan