Pro-Russian stance considered grounds for arrest by ‘New Armenia’ leadership, Kalashnikov says

Armenian authorities view the pro-Russian, allied position of Gyumri Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan as a criminal matter. According to TASS, Leonid Kalashnikov, head of the State Duma’s CIS Affairs Committee, said that for the leadership of “New Armenia,” this is sufficient grounds for arrest.

At the same time, Kalashnikov stated that Russia still considers Armenia a friendly country.

“This is emphasized everywhere,” the official added.

On Jan. 20, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed hope that Armenian politicians supporting cooperation with Russia would not be persecuted.