It is clear that it is about a radical change in Armenia’s orientation in foreign relations. Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Russian foreign ministry, noted this on Wednesday—and commenting on the recent interview of Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia.
“Of course, I have to comment on these passages about the diversification of Armenia’s political line without changing the vector. I would like to understand this somehow… not just hearing and reading all this in the form of statements, but how it is generally understood in practice. In my opinion, this is a clear attempt to hide real intentions. It is clear that it is about a radical change in Armenia’s orientation in foreign relations. This is done very clearly at the suggestion of or hinting by the West.
“On the other hand, they try in every way to cover it up, believing that in this way they can maintain the same level of assistance and some kind of special relationship. All this is so visible and clear that it is simply impossible to hide it behind such words and wordings.
“And the talk that Armenia was allegedly forced to look for an alternative, not receiving an answer to its requests from Russia, and that it is not Armenia that is leaving the CSTO, but the opposite… Well, it seems to me that this is just an attempt to shift the responsibility, to find people responsible for their own miscalculations. There were consultations both in a bilateral format and through the CSTO, but a decision was made in Yerevan, and it seems they justified it, in favor of deploying an EU [monitoring] mission on the territory of the [Armenian] republic.
“During the session of the CSTO Collective Security Council in which Armenia participated, there was a request from Armenia to withdraw the draft statement of foreign ministers supporting efforts to achieve peace in the South Caucasus region, which is also very telling. Russia and CSTO allies are still open to dialogue and ready to help, but Yerevan’s wish is necessary [for that]. Let me note that the questions raised in the [aforesaid] interview arise for many people, including Armenian citizens. Sadly, the truthfulness of the answers did not turn out very well,” said the official representative of the Russian foreign ministry.
