Speaker: Russia backs Armenia’s ruling party ahead of elections

Russia expressed support for the ruling party in the upcoming elections, Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan stated.

He shared candid insights following his recent nearly two-hour meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, describing the discussion as intensive and straightforward, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media.

According to Simonyan, the visit aimed at an honest exchange of concerns, with Armenia outlining its worries and Russia presenting its own. 

“But beyond asking each other questions, we also had very important discussions, proposals, and practical talks—ranging from various investments in Armenia to organising Armenian Culture Days in Russia, and more. We talked for 1 hour and 40 minutes,” Simonyan said.

Speaker admitted he was unsure which parts were conducted openly and which were private, and was surprised to learn the session had been broadcast live.

Among other topics, Lavrov raised the TRIPP project, noting the changed circumstances. Simonyan responded that the reality has indeed shifted and suggested Russia could participate in building, reconstructing, and operating alternative infrastructure without direct involvement in TRIPP itself, which he considers unrealistic. He described his proposal as highly interesting and expressed confidence that Moscow would respond.

Simonyan emphasised that he conveyed all of Yerevan’s key concerns about certain sharp statements from Russia, including references to a potential “special military operation” on Armenian territory. 

“I said that there are talks about conducting a special military operation on Armenian territory,” the Speaker said, referring to controversial statements made by a Russian media personality. “What I said here, I also said there,” he added.

Lavrov reportedly assured him that these statements reflected the opinions of individuals, not official Moscow, and that Russia has no interest in interfering in Armenia’s domestic or foreign policy.

By Jeyhun Aghazada