Peskov said that it is “not appropriate” for Russia and Armenia to communicate through newspapers

It is “unfair” for Russia and Armenia to communicate through newspapers; the Kremlin expects to receive information about relations between Moscow and Yerevan when talking with their Armenian colleagues. This was stated by the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov, commenting on an interview with the Prime Minister of the Republic Nikol Pashinyan to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Answering the question whether the Kremlin sees prospects for resolving Armenia’s issues with Russia and the CSTO in the security sphere, Peskov emphasized that attempts are continuing to help Baku and Yerevan reach a peace treaty. This is necessary to stabilize the situation in the region, he added.

With the second point, Peskov explained that the Kremlin is not inclined to perceive the WSJ as a primary source. According to the Kremlin representative, it is necessary to understand exactly what Pashinyan said in the interview.

“Of course, in a conversation with our Armenian friends, we expect to receive all the information on this matter. And, of course, it is not good for Russia and Armenia to communicate through newspapers, especially through The Wall Street Journal. Therefore, we continue the dialogue with our Armenian colleagues and will continue to do so. We have a very extensive agenda,” Peskov explained.

In an interview with WSJ, Pashinyan pointed out the need to diversify Yerevan’s security relations and search for new partners. He explained that he meant, among other things, “a balanced policy in the context of foreign policy.”

Answering the question whether the presence of the Russian military in Armenia is an advantage or an obstacle, Pashinyan noted that at the moment “we have not seen any advantages” within the framework of the conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. He also clarifiedthat the issue of withdrawing the Russian military base from the republic is not being discussed.