YEREVAN. – The making of Russian an official language in the former USSR countries—including Armenia—is simply unacceptable.

Ambassador Ara Papyan, Modus Vivendi Center Director and political scientist, stated the aforesaid at a press conference on Monday. He noted this reflecting on Russian Special Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova’s recent statement that the Russian language needs to receive a legal status in the ex-Soviet countries.

“If we [i.e. Armenia] perceive this as the language for Russians, we have numerous signed international documents regarding the rights of national and religious minorities,” said Papyan. “And unlike Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, we carry out [these documents], assist minorities; that is, the Russians here [in Armenia] have no problem in connection with their language.”

The analyst stressed that the necessary level for Russian language is sufficiently ensured in Armenia, and therefore there is absolutely no need to make it an official language in the country.

As per the Armenian diplomat, this language matter is a continuation of the policy of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)—which comprises Armenia Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

“It’s no coincidence that the matter of the need for having a single currency [within the EAEU] is also circulated,” added Ara Papyan. “Russia is repeating those mistakes of the Soviet Union.”