Pashinyan commiserates with Putin over death of former Soviet premier

Following the death of former Soviet premier and ex-senator Nikolai Ryzhkov, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has sent a telegram of condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Soviet Premier Nikolai Ryzhkov. As the head of the USSR Council of Ministers, Nikolai Ryzhkov coordinated the elimination of the consequences of the devastating earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in the city of Spitak," the Armenian government's press service quoted the telegram as saying, according to Caliber.Az.

The Armenian Prime Minister wrote that Nikolai Ryzhkov, while holding various responsible positions and fulfilling his duties, forever etched his name in the memory of the Armenian people as a faithful friend who lent a helping hand in the most difficult moments, for which he was honoured with the highest title of National Hero of Armenia.

"On behalf of all the people of Armenia and me personally, I ask you to convey words of condolence and support to the family and relatives of Nikolai Ryzhkov," Pashinyan said in the telegram.