Lavrov says Russia guided by Armenian people's interests after Kocharyan arrest
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is guided by the interests of the Armenian people in commenting on the arrest of former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan and his son. Lavrov noted that current authorities in Yerevan are pursuing different goals, including Armenia's declared orientation toward the European Union. He also pointed out that another former president, Serzh Sargsyan, is under investigation.
Key Facts
- On August 27, a court ordered the arrest of former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan.
- Kocharyan's eldest son Sedrak was arrested a day earlier, on August 26.
- Lavrov said another former president, Serzh Sargsyan, is also under investigation.
- Armenia has adopted a law on starting the process of joining the European Union.
Lavrov's Comments
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow's position is based on the interests of the Armenian people. He noted that Russia has repeatedly helped the Armenian people and leadership in difficult situations. Lavrov said current authorities in Yerevan are guided by other tasks.
EU Accession Dispute
Lavrov pointed out that Armenia has declared a goal of orientation toward the European Union and adopted a law on starting the accession process. He said Eurasian Economic Union countries in May called on Armenian leadership to hold a referendum on choosing between the EU and the EAEU. Lavrov said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded that he would decide when the time comes. Lavrov questioned what 'when the time comes' means if Armenia has already adopted a law on starting EU accession.
Kocharyan Case
On August 25, law enforcement conducted searches at Robert Kocharyan's home and at companies belonging to his family. Robert Kocharyan and his eldest son Sedrak were subsequently arrested. The ex-president is charged with illegally acquiring property at below-market prices during his presidency.
3 sources
Lavrov says Russia guided by Armenian people's interests after Kocharyan arrest
