US statements that Armenia wants to turn its back on Russia are a lie. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), told this to RIA Novosti. "As for [US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs] James O'Brien's barefaced assurances that Armenia wants to turn its back on Russia, it is another example of geopolitical engineering characteristic of the Americans: to create a ‘reality’ that Washington needs in the eyes of the world community, which has nothing in common with what is actually happening,” Zakharova said. "O'Brien and company need to master one simple thing. The ties formed between our countries [i.e. Russia and Armenia] over the centuries will withstand all the tests that the West constantly puts them through... Throughout history, we [i.e. Russia] have provided assistance to the fraternal Armenian people many times, and we intend to do so from now on as well," added the Russian MFA spokesperson.