Russian Foreign Ministry: Moscow Accuses Armenian Authorities of Attempting Anti-Democratic Actions
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Moscow views the decision by Armenian authorities to cancel the eligibility of opposition parties to participate in elections as an attempt to commit anti-democratic acts.
In her comments published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Zakharova said: “(The Armenian authorities) are stifling democratic procedures. We see that the Armenian authorities are attempting anti-democratic actions—they have decided to disqualify the largest opposition movement, 'Prosperous Armenia,' and the 'Strength of Armenia' party from participating in the elections.”
She stated that if such anti-democratic scenarios become reality, the legitimacy of the entire electoral process would be called into question.
Zakharova added in her commentary: “If this anti-democratic script succeeds—when decisions barring (opposition parties—editorial note) from running are approved—then Armenian citizens will be deprived of their right to choose their country’s future, which of course would undermine the legitimacy of the entire electoral process.”
She also emphasized that Moscow hopes Armenia will “not just talk about it, but act” in accordance with democratic procedures during election preparations.
The statement published on the Russian Foreign Ministry website read: “We hope that Yerevan will not merely speak about democracy, but actually abide by democratic procedures; they have repeatedly used every opportunity to talk extensively about their commitment to democratic processes.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867205657785355/
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