Armen Grigoryan's Statement Catches Even CP Members Off Guard: 'Hraparak'

'Hraparak' newspaper reports: 'The recent statement by Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan during the H1 broadcast has even surprised members of the ruling Civil Contract party. This is not merely a comment from a 'reliable source' or an ordinary individual, but rather from a high-ranking official who possesses knowledge of the negotiation secrets. On December 26, he stated that Russia is forcing Armenia to provide a corridor to Azerbaijan and join a union state, explaining that this is why the Lachin corridor has been closed.

According to our sources from the ruling parliamentary faction, there was a closed meeting with Nikol Pashinyan last week to discuss the situation created in the Lachin corridor; however, there was not a single word mentioned about any pressure from Russia, let alone regarding a union state. Our source noted that the issue of Belarusian President Lukashenko's statements was discussed in the presence of the Prime Minister.

It is worth recalling that Lukashenko, months ago, made rather unpleasant remarks regarding Armenia's geopolitical choices, stating that regarding the union state and potential new integration in the post-Soviet space, 'Armenia has no place to go,' and added, 'Do you think they need anyone? They saw it. Nikol Vovaevich saw it.'

During the closed discussion of the Civil Contract party, even a suggestion was made that perhaps joining the union state could be a path to salvation for Armenia, but Pashinyan did not respond to this. The non-Soros wing of the Civil Contract party agrees with Peskov's characterization that Armen Grigoryan made a provocative statement, shifting all responsibility and blame for the closure of the Lachin corridor onto Russia.'

For more details, please refer to today's edition of the newspaper.