Armenian PM downplays problems in Russian relations

  04 September 2018    Read: 3447
Armenian PM downplays problems in Russian relations

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has downplayed problems in Yerevan's relations with Moscow, describing them as a "work process in its natural course."

 "I know that many have been saying in the recent time that there are certain problems in the Armenian-Russian relations. I can reassure that these relations are characterized by working atmosphere.

Answering questions from citizens in a live Facebook broadcast late on September 2, Pashinian also announced his upcoming visit to Moscow, during which he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He gave no indications of the date of the planned meeting but said it will take place soon.

Earlier today Russian president’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the meeting of the leaders of the two countries will take place on September 8 in Moscow.

He said reporters he wants to discuss with the Russian leader “the entire spectrum” of the Armenian-Russian relations. However, Pashinyan has no hope for better results.

"This will be our third meeting... I don't mean to insist that all possible problems will be solved,but we will do our best " he added.

Some analysts suggest that Russia was irked by several moves by the new Armenian government that included the prosecution of former President Robert Kocharian and several other senior former officials on charges related to the deadly postelection crackdown on opposition protesters in 2008.

Among those charged with "overthrowing the constitutional order" is Yuri Khachaturov, a former deputy defense minister who currently chairs the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

In July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denounced the prosecutions, arguing that they ran counter to the new Armenian leadership's earlier pledges not to "persecute its predecessors for political motives."

In August, Pashinian, who played a key role in the 2008 protests as an opposition figure, said Moscow should "adapt" to the new political realities of Armenia.

Speculation about souring Armenian-Russian relations increased last week when the Kremlin's official website said Russian President Putin called Kocharian on August 31 to congratulate him on his 64th birthday.

The Kremlin reported no other details of the phone call that came two weeks after Kocharian pledged to return to active politics and challenge the current Armenian government.

In another development, the Russian Interfax news agency reported on August 31 that Moscow had refused to extradite to Yerevan a former Armenian defense minister, Mikael Harutiunian, who is thought to live in Russia, on the grounds that he is also a Russian citizen.

However, a spokesman for Armenian prosecutors denied the report, saying that they were unaware of Harutiunian's whereabouts.

Harutiunian is wanted in Armenia on charges stemming from his alleged role in the 2008 postelection crackdown.

 


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