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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the Armenia will continue taking steps to address the concerns of the Iranian government, following remarks by the Islamic Republic’s envoy that appeared to accuse Yerevan of aiding Iran’s enemies.
He made the comments when asked to respond to the Iranian Ambassador’s statements, in which the envoy complained that Armenian authorities had allowed anti-Iranian government protesters to gather outside their Yerevan embassy. The envoy also said that Armenia may be becoming a hub for Iran’s enemies.
The Armenian Prime Minister emphasized the right to freedom of assembly but stressed that such actions should not disrupt the functioning of any embassy.
“We are paying close attention to the statements coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we have done and will continue to do everything to address all the concerns of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a friendly and brotherly country for us. As you know, since 2018, no public gathering has ever been banned in Armenia, and we could not make such a decision in any individual case. Yes, we share the view that forms of expression should not disrupt the normal functioning of the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran or any other embassy. We will closely monitor the situation, including the concerns surrounding it, and will act within the framework of our democratic principles,” Pashinyan said.
“We will take all necessary measures to ensure that no issues arise regarding the activities of the embassy of our friendly and brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran. And with respect to any individuals who cross the boundaries of the law, appropriate proceedings will be carried out. I understand that administrative proceedings have already been initiated in several cases,” Pashinyan emphasized.
Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, held a press conference on Wednesday amid ongoing demonstrations in Iran. A group of protesters had been gathering outside the Iranian embassy in Yerevan in support of the demonstrations.
The Ambassador said that the protesters outside the embassy are displaying disrespectful behavior and that he has raised the matter with Armenian authorities on multiple occasions.
“Iranian officials are concerned that a group of people is being given the green light to come to the Iranian Embassy and make very disrespectful and offensive statements,” Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami told reporters in Yerevan.
The Ambassador noted that Iran has, at various times, stood by the people and government of Armenia, but the events taking place in front of the embassy will remain in the “historical memory” of the Iranian people.
Answering a question about possible implications for Armenia–Iran relations, the Ambassador said that a perception could form in Tehran that Armenia is becoming a “hub for forces hostile to Iran.”