Human rights activist: Armenian PM organises anti-Russian conference in Brussels

Armenian human rights activist Avetik Ishkhanyan has said that to be honest, while looking at the recent conference participants, there was no need to follow their words.

“I know all their ‘points of view’. For many years they have not expressed any new analytical thought or point of view, regardless of the changing world, but only deal with rather primitive anti-Russian propaganda,” Ishkhanyan said in an interview with the Armenian media, commenting on the recent conference entitled “Strategic Future of Armenia” in Brussels, according to Caliber.Az.

“The purpose of this forum discussion was the same - to curse Russia once again in the centre of the European Union in Brussels, accusing Russia, to express complementary ‘opinions’ that Armenia should withdraw from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). The 102nd Russian military base must be withdrawn from Armenia. Armenia must break off relations with Russia and, while pampering fourth-class bureaucrats, express the hope that Armenia’s security will be ensured by the West,” he said.

“Of course, the composition of the participants was specially selected. No one among them had a different opinion. On the contrary, I am sure that in their speeches they competed with each other to see who would say anti-Russian words most of all. I wonder that those who consider themselves pro-Western ones, faithful to Western values, turn a blind eye to the ongoing anti-democratic processes in Armenia. I mean the destruction of courts and their subordination to the prime minister, police brutality against peaceful protesters, torture, political persecution, murder, etc.,” Ishkhanyan noted.

“Moreover, they have no idea about the tolerance and culture of debate that are considered European values. If any question arises, they do not give a logical answer, but insult their opponent, calling him ‘pro-Russian’, ‘Muslim’, ‘Russian slave’. This meeting in Brussels was not accidental, it was organised upon the prime minister’s instructions. Perhaps, it was financed. The meeting in Brussels was held simultaneously with the Paris Peace Forum, in which the prime minister took part. I don't think it was a coincidence. The prime minister once again expressed submission in Paris,” the human rights activist said.