5 days ago
Kremlin Raises Concern Over Armenia’s Opposition Arrests
Russia says it is worried because several opposition leaders were arrested in Armenia.
One of those arrested was former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan.
Armenian prosecutors accused him of corruption-related offenses from his time in office.
Russia says some arrested leaders wanted closer relations between Armenia and Russia.
Armenia’s government, led by Nikol Pashinyan, has been moving closer to Western countries.
It is also seeking membership in the European Union.
Russia says Armenia cannot remain in a Moscow-led economic grouping while pursuing EU membership.
Putin and Pashinyan are expected to discuss the situation at a meeting in Kyrgyzstan.
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said Russia was greatly concerned about arrests of Armenian opposition figures.
Armenian prosecutors detained former President Robert Kocharyan and charged him with corruption-related offenses.
Ushakov said the detained leaders had supported stronger relations between Armenia and Russia.
Under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia has moved closer to the West and sought European Union membership.
Ushakov said Vladimir Putin and Pashinyan would meet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.
- Who
- The Kremlin, Armenian opposition figures, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and former President Robert Kocharyan.
- What
- Russia expressed concern over arrests of Armenian opposition leaders and reiterated objections to Armenia’s pursuit of EU membership while remaining in a Moscow-led economic grouping.
- Where
- Armenia; the planned meeting was to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- When
- The statement was reported on August 28, and Putin and Pashinyan were expected to meet early the following week.
- Why
- Russia said the arrests targeted leaders who supported strengthening traditionally good-neighborly relations between Armenia and Russia.
Kremlin’s Position
Armenian Government Critics’ Position
Arrests of opposition leaders
Kremlin’s Position
Russia said the arrests were a source of great concern, particularly because some detained leaders advocated stronger Armenia-Russia relations.
Armenian Government Critics’ Position
Critics of Nikol Pashinyan view the arrests as part of a broad crackdown on his strongest opponents, including opposition politicians, church leaders, and civil society groups.
Armenia’s foreign-policy direction
Kremlin’s Position
The Kremlin said Armenia would not be able to remain in a Moscow-led economic grouping while seeking European Union membership.
Armenian Government Critics’ Position
Under Pashinyan, Armenia has pursued closer relations with the West and distanced itself from Russia.
Key facts
- Russian official
- Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov
- Arrested opposition figure
- Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
- Charges
- Corruption-related offenses allegedly connected to Kocharyan’s time in office
- Armenia’s direction
- Closer relations with the West and pursuit of European Union membership
- Russia’s position
- Armenia cannot remain in a Moscow-led economic grouping while seeking EU membership
- Planned meeting
- Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan were expected to meet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
- Meeting location
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Quotes
Yury Ushakov
Kremlin aide and adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin
“This conversation is taking place against a rather unusual backdrop, when in Armenia there have been what I would call mass arrests of opposition leaders, particularly those leaders who have advocated and continue to advocate strengthening the traditionally good-neighbourly relations between our two countries.”
theprint.in
“Of course, this policy pursued by the Armenian leadership is a source of great concern to us.”
theprint.in
Sources
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