The conditions of the electoral process in Armenia, as well as the reports of violations recorded during the voting and actions taken against opposition members raises serious questions at Moscow. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated this, commenting on the situation in Armenia after the parliamentary elections on June 7, and noted that the Russian side continues to closely monitor the events taking place in Armenia.

“I want to emphasize once again: the atmosphere in which the entire electoral process in Armenia took place, including the numerous and factually confirmed reports of violations of voting rules, raises legitimate questions for us,” the Russian MFA spokesperson said.

According to her, one of the key issues for Moscow remains the extent to which the Armenian authorities are ready to follow in practice the principles they themselves have publicly declared.

“One of them is the extent to which Yerevan is ready to adhere to the principles of democracy and the rule of law proclaimed by Armenia’s leadership in practice,” Zakharova said.

Also, she called for waiting for the final results of the vote.

“I suggest waiting for the final results of the elections. Moscow is closely following what is happening,” the Russian MFA spokesperson noted.

Zakharova specifically addressed the situation surrounding Armenia’s opposition during the election campaign, calling what is happening “unprecedented pressure.”

“I emphasize again: this is widespread pressure, and we characterize it as an unprecedented attack on the opposition,” she said.

According to the Russian MFA spokesperson, Russia is concerned about the arrests of political and public figures, which also took place on the day of the vote in Armenia.

“Even on election day, political and public figures are being arrested who, first of all, defend the national interests of Armenia, and the preservation and strengthening of Armenian-Russian relations stem from these interests. All this is incomprehensible and, most importantly, absolutely unacceptable to us,” Zakharova stated.

Also, she questioned the view that such actions can be considered normal for a democratic country.

“I cannot imagine how in a modern democratic country it can be considered normal to arrest participants in electoral processes; moreover, on the day or the eve of the elections and under absolutely fabricated pretexts,” the Russian MFA spokesperson stated.

Zakharova described the situation as an atmosphere of repression.

“This is an absolutely unacceptable, terrible atmosphere of repression. That is exactly what an atmosphere of repression is,” she said.

According to the Russian MFA spokesperson, the problem is not only that such actions contradict the declared political principles.

“All this is bad not only because it does not correspond to the adopted course, laws, or international obligations. This already leads to concrete consequences and gives certain results,” she noted.

As such a consequence, Zakharova pointed to the deepening of societal division in Armenia.

“There is a terrible division in Armenian society,” stated the Russian MFA spokesperson.

She expressed the opinion that the main task of any statesman is to unite society, not to divide it.

“In my opinion, the task of any politician and statesman, especially those who are already in power, is to contribute to the unification of the nation,” she said.

According to Zakharova, maintaining internal unity is especially important for Armenia.

“Especially when it comes to a state that is developing in a unified way at its core. This unity must be preserved, it must be strengthened. This is a source of pride and an achievement that a statesman should first of all take to heart,” the Russian MFA spokesperson added.

Summing up her assessment of the situation in Armenia, Zakharova once again spoke about the deep split within the country’s society.

“We see the terrible split into which, I repeat, Armenian society has been drawn,” the Russian MFA spokesperson concluded.