Lavrov's Sharp Response to Pashinyan's Recent Statements

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's request to sell the railway concession to Armenia has raised eyebrows, stated Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The minister noted that regular communications are ongoing between the deputy prime ministers of Russia and Armenia, and any issues of interest to the Armenian side, including the situation related to the South Caucasian railway concessioned to "Russian Railways," can be discussed.

“We are surprised to hear how these issues… If they have arisen, tell your counterpart what you think about it. Instead, a public statement is made that they are generally 'theirs,' and we owe them $2 billion,” Lavrov said in an interview with RBK TV channel.

“I understand that this evokes feelings among our citizens—not only from an economic analysis perspective. I am no exception,” he added.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had stated that Yerevan is asking Moscow to sell the management concession of the republic's railways to a third country. When asked what Armenia would do if Russia rejects Yerevan's railway proposals, Pashinyan noted that this is impossible.

In February 2008, Armenia's railway infrastructure was transferred to the "South Caucasian Railways" company for a 30-year concession management, with the option to extend for another ten years.