Zakharova Rejects Interference Claims, Urges Armenia to Protect Religious Freedoms

| News, Politics, Armenia

During a briefing on July 2, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the ongoing developments around the Armenian Church as a "destructive information campaign" that is dividing Armenian society.

She emphasized that faith and the church have historically united Armenians during difficult times and criticized attempts to politicize these values by wrongly linking them to Russia. Zakharova stated that Russia has a sincere interest in a stable and prosperous Armenia, which she said aligns with both "high ideals and Russia’s interests." She called for the preservation of constitutional law and the protection of citizens' rights, including the religious freedoms that Armenian authorities publicly championed during their election campaigns.

Addressing recent statements by European leaders, Zakharova singled out Kaja Kallas, the EU's new foreign policy chief, and French President Emmanuel Macron. She suggested that both Estonia and France should address their own internal democracy and human rights issues before advising others. Zakharova criticized what she called an "entrenched Western trend" of accusing Russia of interference without evidence. She pointed to Russia’s role in preventing bloodshed, providing humanitarian aid to displaced people from Karabakh, and engaging in mutually beneficial energy cooperation—all at Armenia's request.

Zakharova concluded by urging a realistic assessment of the situation, stating that accusations against Russia often ignore the complex realities of regional cooperation.

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