Russia should adopt a “principled position” on the political situation in Armenia after the parliamentary elections, while continuing to work together with the incumbent Armenian authorities at the de facto level. Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots of the Russian State Duma, stated this in an interview with Moskovsky Komsomolets daily.

Zatulin noted that Russia cannot recognize the June 7 parliamentary elections in Armenia as fully democratic and in line with international standards.

He said that the recent electoral process in Armenia lacked a level playing field for political competition, as well as measures of pressure were used against the opposition.

Zatulin noted that, in his assessment, such trends were maintained both in the pre-election period and after the vote.

“We [i.e. Russia] cannot in any case consider the past elections [in Armenia] to be democratic and in line with generally accepted standards. We cannot, because the conditions for an equal electoral struggle were not maintained,” the Russian lawmaker said.

Also, he announced violations recorded during the voting and controversial decisions in individual election precincts, which, according to the politician, could have affected the final distribution of votes.

At the same time, the Russian MP emphasized the need to maintain practical cooperation with Armenia, despite political disagreements.

“We [i.e. Russia] declare that we do not accept the results of these elections as honest and objective. However, since we are in alliances and traditionally develop ties with Armenia, we will continue to work with it, based on the fact that today it is headed by people who remained in power as a result of unfair, undemocratic elections,” the Russian legislator said.

He added that Moscow will actually continue cooperation with the current authorities of Armenia, while at the same time recording the political position of de jure not recognizing the Armenian parliamentary election results.

Zatulin commented also on the prospects for economic and integration relations between Armenia and Russia, including the possible preservation of the current Russian restrictions on the import of Armenian goods and Armenia's further participation in Eurasian organizations. In his opinion, Yerevan's change of political course towards the EU may lead to a review of the terms of cooperation.

Regarding energy prices, he noted that this issue should be resolved depending on Armenia's strategic choice and the format of bilateral relations.

Zatulin touched also upon military-political cooperation, including the Russian military presence in the region, and stated that Russia will not initiate its review, but will respond to possible actions by the Armenian side.

In conclusion, he expressed the opinion that the level of political contacts between Moscow and Yerevan may be reduced, and the activeness of bilateral visits may be revised toward greater restraint.