There is a powerful pro-Western lobby operating in Armenia – it is trying to undermine Russia’s influence in this republic. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a press conference following the results of participation in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (GA).
Lavrov explained that we are talking about a whole network of Western non-governmental organizations. “In Armenia, as in a number of other countries of the former Soviet Union, there is a powerful lobby represented by a layer of non-governmental organizations created, including through many Western foundations, that promote the interests of the United States and its allies,” Lavrov noted and added that “these interests are to undermine Russia’s influence there.” The minister emphasized that there are a large number of similar organizations in Armenia.
However, Russia’s influence in the region is growing despite this, and “a lot is becoming clearer right now before our eyes,” Lavrov added.
According to him, the Armenian leadership itself from time to time “adds fuel to the fire.”
Nevertheless, the minister expressed hope that the people of Armenia connect their history with Russia and other friendly countries, and “not with those who come from overseas.”
The day before, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan reproached Russia. In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, he said that Armenia’s dependence on Russia in the field of security is a mistake. According to him, “today, when Russia needs weapons and ammunition, it is clear that even if it wanted, the Russian Federation would not be able to provide for Armenia’s security needs.” The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains one of the problematic ones. On September 19, the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an “anti-terrorist operation” in the region. As a result, at least 200 people were killed and another 400 were injured, said Commissioner for Human Rights in Nagorno-Karabakh Gegham Stepanyan. On September 20, 6 Russian peacekeepers were killed when they were shot at from small arms in the area of the village of Dzhanyatag. From 13:00 on September 20, a ceasefire was established in Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku announced the completion of the “anti-terrorist operation”, and Yerevan unilaterally announced the decision to lay down arms and cease fire.
On September 21, a meeting between Azerbaijan and representatives of Armenians in Karabakh took place in Yevlakh. Baku said it had provided representatives of the Armenians of Karabakh with a draft peace agreement.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
