News - Russia’s friends in Armenia did not react after France FM’s words, Zakharova complains

It is surprising that our allies, our brothers, friends, our colleagues and neighbors—I mean the leadership, officials, including the representatives of Armenia’s society—do not react to it. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stated this at Friday’s press briefing—and commenting on the recent statements by French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne, in Armenia. "If someone had said this about our [i.e. Russia’s] friends, the people who help us, moreover, if it was said about the country that regularly stood with us and our people, sacrificing their lives, if something like that was said in our country, we will find an opportunity to withdraw such figures and remind that our history does not allow such humiliating treatment of them by third parties. Therefore, what is there to comment on?" said Zakharova. Also, she did not miss the opportunity to assess the activities of the French FM, calling Sejourne a "mediocre diplomat." "He [i.e. Sejourne] once again showed his mediocrity and ignorance of history and traditions. And this, in my opinion, was incompetence and stupidity towards Russia, and a disrespectful attitude towards Armenia," said Zakharova. French FM Stephane Sejourne recently had said in Yerevan that Armenia should be able to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty, its population. Also, the French diplomat had assured that the defense cooperation between Armenia and France was not aimed at escalation in the region, and that no one had such intentions. In addition, Sejourne had pledged to protect Armenia from Russian pressure. Declaring the shared values of Armenia and France, he had expressed support for the people and government of Armenia, "despite Russia's threats and apparent hostility, which is trying to exert pressure." According to him, despite this, Armenia is moving towards democracy in phases.