YEREVAN. – Prior to visits by high-level officials, their security, protocol, and other services work with the relevant agencies of the host country to properly organize the visit, according to Past (Fact) newspaper of Armenia.

“According to the information of Past newspaper, in connection with Vladimir Putin’s visit to be paid to Armenia within the framework of the EAEU [Eurasian Economic Union] Summit planned in Yerevan, among other issues, the aforementioned services of the RF [Russian Federation] president have raised [the matter of] ensuring full security conditions to visit a penitentiary. According to our sources, however, they have been refused by Armenia’s authorities.

“In response to the refusal, time has been given by the RF president’s staff until September 10, to settle the matter, threatening to move the summit to Moscow, otherwise.

“Even though our sources do not elaborate on the reasons for visiting the penitentiary, it must be assumed that it is about Vladimir Putin’s wish to visit [Armenia’s second President] Robert Kocharyan [who is in custody],” Past wrote.