Statements that Armenia and Russia exercise vassal relations are made by a group of oppositionists, who express their personal opinion, RA Ambassador to Russia Armen Smbatian said.

"I speak as an ambassador, who is perfectly aware of Armenia and its interests in Russia. Let's take the energy sector, 80 per cent of which is owned by Russia. Some ten years ago our republic suffered from lack of electricity and heating. We did not know how to live. Today we are ready to sell great amount of electric power. I do not see problems. If such emerge we always try to solve them at the level of foreign ministers, embassies, entrepreneurs. Our population estimated the rise in prices for gas as a non-constructive step. I have numerously explained that the decision proceeded from Russia's pragmatic and economic interests. The problem was resolved and, as result, a new mutually beneficial document was signed," he said.

The Armenian diplomat emphasized that there is not need in establishment of another military base in Armenia.

"I wish we could pay more attention to the economic relations. Absence of firm economic basis may jeopardize cultural, scientific and other ties," Amb. Smbatian said in an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta.