YEREVAN. - The U.S. Embassy in Armenia has issued a statement denying the publication in Russian Izvestia newspaper regarding the funding of anti-Russian protests.

The publication cited certain source in Russian Embassy in Armenia and the country’s diplomatic circles.   

“We have just one thing to say to that: нет [no], ” the Embassy statement reads.  

According to the diplomatic mission, the Embassy and USAID proudly – and transparently – provide funding to various civil society organizations, giving them the tools and resources to strengthen democratic institutions and make life better for the average Armenian.

“We’re proud Armenian civil society remains one of the strongest, freest, and most vital in the region. Maybe Izvestia should look at the state of civil society in Russia and compare?” the statement says.