YEREVAN. – The rule of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has found itself in an unpleasant situation in the diplomatic arena, reported Chorrord Ishkhanutyun (CI) daily.

“And the reason is the disrespectful statements toward the US Ambassador to the RA [i.e. Republic of Armenia], Richard Mills, by Vahram Baghdasaryan, head of the ruling party—the RPA [i.e. the Republican Party of Armenia]—parliamentary faction.   

“Recently, Ambassador Mills (...) had stated that the existing corruption in Armenia hinders economic growth, undermines the protection of human rights, democracy, and even national security.

“And lo, Vahram Baghdasaryan, countering the ambassador’s statements, had said this is the private opinion of the ambassador, not of the US, and added: ‘But I don’t think this should be treated very seriously and given an official response to it.’

“Naturally, Vahram Baghdasaryan’s statements have caused serious discontent in the US embassy.

“CI has learned that this statement by Baghdasaryan has angered Serzh Sargsyan, too,” wrote Chorrord Ishkhanutyun.