Moscow condemns Armenia election arrests, eyes deeper Georgia partnership

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has criticised what she described as repression and arrests of political participants during parliamentary elections in Armenia, while also commenting on relations with Georgia and Armenia’s foreign policy direction.

Speaking at a briefing, Zakharova said the “atmosphere of repression” and arrests of individuals exercising their political will during the Armenian parliamentary elections were “absolutely unacceptable,” Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“Total pressure, and I want to say that we characterise it as unprecedented pressure on the opposition, arrests even on the day of the expression of political will of politicians and public figures who speak primarily in the national interests of Armenia, and this fully corresponds to the preservation and strengthening of Russian-Armenian relations, — for us, all this is incomprehensible and, most importantly, absolutely unacceptable. I do not know how, in general, for a modern democratic state, it can be acceptable to arrest people who participate in electoral processes on the day of elections or on the eve of elections on completely far-fetched pretexts, and this absolutely unacceptable, monstrous atmosphere of repression,” she added.

The spokesperson further stated that the situation has already led to what she called a “monstrous split” within Armenian society.

Zakharova also criticised Armenia’s foreign policy orientation, saying the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) would not tolerate a situation in which Armenia takes a “dependent” position within the bloc while simultaneously pursuing European integration.

“Harsh? I am not sure. I think that if it is harsh, it is realistic… We note that the Armenian authorities have been moving at an accelerated pace towards the European Union in words, statements, and certain actions, demonstrating it in every possible way. Are they expected there? How long can one ask this rhetorical question? In my opinion, the answer is already obvious: they are not expected, even those who had candidate status. If there is no status close to candidacy, then it is obvious that they are not expected,” she noted, adding that the European Union in its current form has nothing to offer Armenia.

Separately, she said Russia is ready to deepen Russian–Georgian relations, describing them as one of the main factors behind Georgia’s economic growth. “

“We understand Tbilisi’s attempts to end external diktat and engage with foreign partners on an equal, mutually respectful basis. We are ready to deepen Russian–Georgian ties, which are one of the main factors of Georgia’s economic growth. We do this with a pure heart, an open soul… Tbilisi has made a firm and conscious choice in favour of restoring the country’s sovereignty, ensuring the interests of the Georgian people, and I would also add, the dignity of its country and its people,” Zakharova stressed.

By Jeyhun Aghazada