Is Russia Deciding Who Can Enter Armenia? Daniel Ioannisian

Daniel Ioannisian, the president of the 'Informed Citizens' initiative, wrote on his Facebook page about the denial of entry to an Armenian citizen from Ukraine at Russia's demand.

“Tomorrow there is a significant event (which I will also be moderating) where we will discuss the fight against corruption and the prospects for institutional reform,” he stated.

“A vital role in this event should be played by Mustafa Nayem, a member of the Ukrainian Supreme Rada, who was not allowed entry into the Republic of Armenia by the NSS border guards 'at the request of another country.' It was only after prolonged interventions that the MP was permitted entry.”

“That 'other country' is, of course, Russia, which imposed sanctions on Mustafa Nayem in November 2018 (formally referred to as 'reciprocal restrictions').”

“This means that Russia decides who can enter Armenia and who cannot... This, my friends, is an absolute disgrace.”

“As long as the Border Guard Service is under the jurisdiction of the NSS, and the portrait of Dzerzhinsky is 'respected' in the NSS, while Russian border guards are unlawfully stationed at Zvartnots, we will face such issues of statehood and independence.”