The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, stated that Russia is not seeking to interfere in Armenia’s domestic affairs, while expressing expectations that political forces advocating closer ties with Moscow will be able to participate freely in Armenia’s electoral processes.
Zakharova noted that Armenia and Russia share multifaceted and strong ties, which include not only political and economic cooperation, but also historical and civilizational links.
Addressing the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia, she stated that a number of political forces in Armenia support constructive cooperation with Russia, and Moscow expects that they will be able to participate freely in the electoral process.
"We cannot ignore the ongoing processes in Armenia and expect that pro-Russian forces will be able to freely participate in the expression of the will of the citizens of Armenia. This is not about interfering in internal affairs, but about ensuring that those citizens of Armenia who are in favor of developing relations with Russia have the opportunity to express their will freely and democratically."
According to Zakharova, cooperation with Russia for certain political forces represents a continuation of historically established relations, which, in her words, cannot be “easily severed or ignored.”
Earlier, during a meeting on April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that he expects pro-Russia forces to have the opportunity to participate in Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
Pashinyan, in turn, clarified that only citizens of Armenia are eligible to take part in the country’s electoral processes, noting that, under the Constitution, individuals holding citizenship of other countries cannot run for parliament or for the post of prime minister.
