YEREVAN.- Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia Vyacheslav Kovalnko offers to ponder on the reasons for high immigration rate.

His remark came in response to journalists’ question about recent statement made by Armenian PM Tigran Sargsyan who expressed discontent at Russian immigration program called “Compatriots”.   

If Armenians live their Motherland, they have objective reasons for it, Ambassador told reporters on Tuesday.

Vyacheslav Kovalnko noted that the program’s objective is to limit illegal immigration, provide immigrants with normal conditions and salary.

“Armenians are not pressed forcedly to leave their country. Closing the representation of Russian federal immigration service, we will not stop the process,” he emphasized.

He recalled that more people are leaving Armenia receiving U.S. green cards.

“Over 5,000 Armenians have left the country for U.S. since 2007. Less than 5,000 went to Russia within the framework of our program,” he added.  

Photo by Sona Barseghyan