Civilnet
Ivan Volynkin, Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia spoke to Noyan Tapan about Armenia’s future accession to the Customs Union, Russia’s presence in Armenia’s media sphere and Crimea as a precedent for Karabakh. In that May 7 interview, Ambassador Volynkin announced that Russia should make its presence more visible in Armenian media. In this context, he noted that it is necessary to neutralize “those NGOs that wish to drive a wedge in Armenian-Russian relations,” citing Russia’s law that regulates NGO activities in that country.
In reaction to the Ambassador’s statements, several Armenian NGOs, including Asparez Journalists Club, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office, Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center, Open Society Foundations-Armenia and others published a statement demanding that the Ambassador be either removed from his post or offer a formal apology. The statement reads:
“Russian Ambassador to Armenia Volynkin, who, in 2007 was considered persona non grata by Georgian authorities for his spying activities and was kicked out of the country gave an interview to Noyan Tapan, where he stated: ‘I’m sure that Russia has to have a more active presence in Armenia’s media field. There is no doubt in that. However, it’s necessary to use other methods as well to work towards neutralizing those NGOs that wish to drive a wedge between Armenian-Russian relations. In fact, in Russia there is law that quite clearly regulates NGO activities. It’s quite clear that those that work against Armenia-Russian friendship don’t want the good of Russia and Armenia.’
“Earlier on April 12, 2014, Volynkin announced in Yerevan that Russia will prevent any aggressive intervention in the internal affairs of its neighboring counties that is being done ‘for ideals that are alien to our minds and hearts.’ Armenian authorities have yet to properly respond to these announcements.
“We consider these types of announcements a violation of accepted diplomatic norms, a complete interference in Armenia’s internal affairs and the subsequent attempt to undermine Armenia’s sovereignty. Ambassador Volynkin should be alert and serious, understand and respect Armenia’s Constitution, and recognize that Armenia is a sovereign, democratic, legal state. Volynkin has put himself above the law with these announcements.
“We demand that the Armenian authorities call the Russian Ambassador to order and have him either removed from his position, or demand that he properly apologizes to the citizens of Armenia. Therewith, we declare that there aren’t any NGOs working against Armenian-Russian friendship and we advise Ambassador Volynkin to organize such witch hunts outside of Armenia’s borders.”
Meanwhile, Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Ambassador’s Volynkin’s announcements. In an interview with azatutyun.am, Minister Edward Nalbandyan said, “I don’t think any NGO has the power to drive a wedge between Armenia and Russia that have allied relations based on centuries old friendship that has stood the test of time.” The Minister added that organizations register and work in Armenia within the country’s legislation.
CivilNet contacted Hovhannes Sahakyan, Chair of the Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs of the National Assembly to get his perspective on the Russian Ambassador’s interview. When asked if it’s possible that a law might be passed regulating the way NGOs operate in Armenia similar to that in Russia, Sahakyan responded that he has not read the Ambassador’s interview.
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