Armenia's response to journalistic statements on Russian television is puzzling; Yerevan is aware of Moscow's official position. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stated this at Thursday’s press briefing—and commenting on the summoning of the Russian ambassador to the Armenian MFA with regards to the “Weekly News” program on Russian television.

The Armenian MFA had stated that “artificially generated narratives against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia were voiced” in the aforesaid program of January 12.

"We have always heard from Yerevan that Armenia is committed to freedom of speech, and even more so, the current leadership of Armenia has made it its imperative. Our [i.e. Russia’s] official reaction—not the point of view, but the official position of the state—is well known to Yerevan," Zakharova said.

According to her, Moscow is consistently talking about the comprehensive unblocking of all transport and economic connections in the South Caucasus on the basis of the 2020-2022 tripartite agreements at the highest level.

Zakharova noted that it is the aforesaid logic that underlies the activity of the tripartite working group chaired by the deputy prime ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Within the framework of this group, it was possible to achieve significant practical results and approach the restoration and organization of railway communication between Azerbaijan and Armenia, she added.

The Russian MFA spox reminded that the tripartite working group never discussed the creation of extraterritorial corridors in Armenia. On the contrary, it was agreed that the countries have sovereignty and jurisdiction over the routes passing through their territory.

"Unfortunately, due to the destructive influence of the Westerners and the decision of the Armenian side, which was working in the side working group, as you know, it also stopped," added Zakharova.