Armenian FM warns Russian counterpart against meddling

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has rebuked his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, over recent statements regarding domestic developments in Armenia.

Mirzoyan responded to Lavrov’s claim about an alleged “authorities’ fight against the church,” calling it false. “Mr. Lavrov’s information is inaccurate and incomplete,” he said at a press conference when asked to comment.

“If I am not mistaken, Mr. Lavrov used the phrase ‘authorities’ fight against the church.’ I must reiterate that this is untrue. There is no fight by the authorities against the church in Armenia. Perhaps Mr. Lavrov was referring to certain clergymen interfering in Armenian politics, or even to their alleged attempts—per our law enforcement—to go beyond the law, potentially participating in coup attempts. Mr. Lavrov ought to refrain from interfering in Armenia’s domestic affairs and internal politics,” Mirzoyan added.

He also urged Russian parliamentarians and media outlets to refrain from meddling in Armenia’s internal matters. “They should respect Armenian sovereignty and cease interference,” he stated.

Recently, Armenian law enforcement arrested two senior clergymen for allegedly plotting and advocating a violent overthrow of the government; both deny the charges. Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, reacting to the news of the arrests, said “the attacks on the Armenian Apostolic Church caused serious concern.”