Russian MFA surprised by Armenia’s reaction to TV news broadcast

PanARMENIAN.Net - Yerevan’s reaction to the broadcast of the “Vesti Nedeli” news program surprised the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova. She emphasized that the discussion concerns journalists’ opinions.

Earlier, it became known that the Russian ambassador to Armenia was summoned to the Armenian MFA regarding the January 12 broadcast. The Armenian side stated that the broadcast promoted narratives allegedly threatening Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We have always heard from Yerevan that Armenia adheres to the principles of free speech. Moreover, the current Armenian leadership has made this a priority. Russia’s official position on these issues is well-known to Yerevan,” Zakharova stated, according to Sputnik Armenia.

She reminded that Moscow has consistently advocated for unblocking transport and economic links in the region based on the 2020-2022 trilateral agreements.

The agreements of November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021, envision the unblocking of all economic and transport routes. Armenia committed to ensuring safe transportation between Azerbaijan’s western regions and Nakhijevan for the unhindered movement of citizens and goods.

“As per the agreement, control over transportation is carried out by Russia’s FSB border service. By mutual agreement, new transportation routes connecting Nakhijevan with Azerbaijan’s western regions are planned,” Zakharova added.

She noted that these provisions are the basis for the activities of the trilateral working group led by the deputy prime ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. The group has achieved significant progress, nearing the restoration of rail connections between the two countries.

Zakharova emphasized that there was never any talk of creating extraterritorial corridors in Armenia. On the contrary, it was agreed that countries retain sovereignty over routes within their territories.

“Unfortunately, due to the destructive influence of Western actors and decisions by the Armenian side, the group’s work has stalled,” she noted.

The Russian MFA representative expressed confidence that resuming collaboration would restore the region’s transport system and contribute to its socio-economic development.