French journalist questions Macron over interference in Armenia amid support for Pashinyan

A French journalist in Yerevan questioned President Emmanuel Macron about whether his support for PM Nikol Pashinyan constitutes interference in Armenia’s internal affairs.

“You spoke about Russian interference ahead of elections in Armenia. You are supporting the prime minister one month before the elections. Isn’t your support also foreign interference?” the journalist asked.

“I take on this support, I take on this partner, whom I have trusted for eight years, as I did by supporting [Moldovan President] Maia Sandu. I take on this decision to defend Europe, Europe’s decisions, by coming here, but it is not the same as those interactions, that manipulation of information through the media, through the dissemination of false information, trying to destabilize the rule of law. The difference lies in this,” Macron said in response.

“It cannot be called interference in this case. This is open interference, while there are other types of interference carried out through foreign agents, ordered from Moscow, which try to distort democracy. I present my arguments; I participate in democracy as the president of France — I do not falsify. That is the difference, and it is important to remember it.”