Russian ambassador to Armenia, who was declared persona non grata in Georgia in 2007 for being engaged in subversive activities against Georgia and was exiled from the country, recently in an interview to Noah’s Arch Agency announced: “I am sure that Russia should declare its presence in the information sphere of Armenia more actively.
There is no doubt about it. However, other methods should be used to neutralize the NGOs which stick a wedge in the Armenian-Russian relations.
By the way, Russia has adopted a law which clearly defines the activities of NGOs. Eventually, it is obvious that those whose activity is aimed against the Armenian-Russian friendship do not wish good for either Russia, or Armenia.”
Earlier this year, on April 12, 2014 Volinkin announced in Yerevan that Russia will halt any attempts at aggressive intervention of third parties in the domestic affairs of its friendly states “in an effort to instil ideas alien to our mind soul”.
These announcements have not received proper response by the RA authorities so far.
We consider such statements violation of diplomatic norms, as well as gross interference in the internal affairs of Armenia and yet another aggressive attempt against the Armenia’s sovereignty.
Ambassador Volinkin must be watchful and vigilant, must understand and respect the RA Constitution and must know that Armenia is a sovereign, democratic and legal state. With such statements Volinkin puts himself above the law.
We demand the RA government to call the Russian ambassador Volinkin to order and then have him either removed from the office or properly apologize to the citizens of Armenia.
In the meanwhile we announce that in Armenia there are no NGOs operating against the Armenian-Russian friendship and we would like to recommend ambassador Volinkin to organize such a witch hunt outside of the Republic of Armenia.
Journalists’ Club “Asparez”
Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office
Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center
Open Society Foundations – Armenia
Collaboration for Democracy
We Plus Social NGO
Arena for Education NGO
Geophone NGO
Peace Dialogue NGO
Rights Information Center NGO
Human Rights and Conflicts Research Institute NGO
Hayk Nazaryan
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