Stability in Armenia is more important to Russia than democracy problems, head of the Regional Studies Center said.

According to Richard Giragosian, Russia needs stability in the region, particularly in Armenia, thus pushing the problem of democracy and fair elections to the background.

“Russia prepares for Putin’s presidency. However, his popularity has sharply dropped. Public activity and surge of popular discontent was unexpected even for Putin himself,” the expert said, stressing the need for Armenia to consider the experience during the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections to prevent repetition of such a scenario.

Armenian parliamentary elections are due May 6.