Kremlin claims right to discuss Armenia’s pre-election plans

Russia considers it entitled to discuss the plans of Armenian leadership in the context of upcoming parliamentary elections, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Vesti correspondent Pavel Zarubin.

Peskov stated that Russia considers it its right to attempt to clarify with its Armenian counterparts and genuinely discuss their plans regarding the upcoming elections in Armenia, according to Russian media. 

He noted that Armenia and Russia share deep historical ties, making Yerevan’s political orientation of interest to Moscow.

Peskov added that the discussions between the Armenian president and prime minister lasted several hours and were candid. 

“The president and prime minister communicated for a couple of hours. The exchange was frank, useful, and necessary. Both sides conveyed their positions, especially in the context of the upcoming elections in Armenia and key trade and economic cooperation issues on the agenda,” he said.

He also emphasised that Moscow wants references to Russia avoided when discussing the Karabakh issue. “The only thing President Putin and Russia want is that, while discussing this matter, there are no unnecessary references to us,” Peskov said.

Finally, he stressed that Yerevan understands the impossibility of simultaneous membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union, highlighting that EAEU membership allows Armenia to “develop at an accelerated pace.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada