Armenian FM: Relations between Armenia and Russia need " a certain  degree of healing"

ArmInfo.  Relations between Armenia and Russia need healing, as stated by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan during a conversation with journalists on  June 7, following his vote in the country's parliamentary elections.

He noted that the current authorities advocate for a balanced policy  and the deepening of relations with the EU, whereas other political  forces express support for deepening ties with Russia. Mirzoyan  pointed out that he has seen sharp, critical statements from the  Russian side directed at the Armenian authorities at various levels,  as well as attempts at directive management and economic sanctions,  which, intentionally or unintentionally, are being linked to the  elections.

"I think relations between Armenia and Russia need some improvement.  We hope that, particularly following the elections, we can foster a  healthy and constructive atmosphere with our Russian partners to  stabilize ties and address the issues that naturally arise between  any two nations," Mirzoyan said. "Our goal remains to find mutually  beneficial solutions that serve the core interests of both the  Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation."

"To be honest, I am certain that turnout will be very high. This is  the impression I received during the election campaign. People are  very interested in the elections. They are very interested and  understand that the future of our country depends on their vote—on  the vote of every person. I have often encountered this sentiment  among our citizens, which is why I believe turnout will be very high.  I can also say that our people are very wise and truly understand all  the nuances and challenges well," the Armenian Foreign Minister  stated.

Mirzoyan expressed his conviction that these parliamentary elections  could be described as a turning point, because the vast majority of  Armenian citizens would vote for peace.  "And from this perspective,  the people of Armenia will once again demonstrate to the world that  they share a peaceful agenda and are committed to peace, but there is  another aspect. Peace also brings with it the strengthening of  sovereignty. Peace also opens new opportunities for economic  development. We spoke about this extensively during the election  campaign and earlier. Therefore, this perspective is widely shared,"  the minister stated.

Regarding speculation that many Armenians are coming from Russia to  vote and leave, and whether there is a need to change the Electoral  Code, he stated that such a need exists, since it is politically  wrong for people who do not reside in the country to determine the  country's fate.