YEREVAN. – 168 Hour daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Hraparak newspaper, citing its sources, had informed that the RF [Russian Federation] authorities have made a decision to restrict the entry of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] presidential candidate [and incumbent FM] Masis Mayilian to Russia for five years. The newspaper had asked the RF in Armenia for clarification (…). The Russian Federation Embassy in the RA, however, had refused to give a clear answer, saying: "We don't comment."

168 Hour’s sources, however, assure that the RF authorities have not only made a decision to restrict Masis Mayilian's entry to Russia for five years, but also insist that even if Masis Mayilian is elected Artsakh president, that ban will remain in force, and Masis Mayilian will not be able to visit the RF.

According to our sources, the reason for making such a decision is Mayilian's close Western ties, which are being expressed during this period, also with open support from the pro-Western representatives in the RA power.