Volynkin must respect Armenia’s Constitution – NGOs respond to Russian envoy

Several Armenian NGOs have issued a statement in response to Russian Ambassador Ivan Volynkin’s statement made in an interview with the Moscow-based Noyev Kovcheg (Noah’s Ark) newspaper.

They demand that Ivan Volynkin be either relieved of his post or offer his apologies to Armenian citizens.

The full statement is below:

“Russian Ambassador to Armenia Volynkin, who was declared persona non grata by the Georgian authorities for spying activities against Georgia and deported from the country in 2007, made the following statement in an interview with the Noyev Kovcheg (Noah’s Ark) newspaper: ‘I am sure that Russia should be more active in demonstrating its presence in Armenia’s mass media environment. However, the NGOs working in Armenia and seeking to drive a wedge between Armenia and Russia should be dealt with using other methods as well. By the way, Russia wants to adopt a law to regulate NGOs activities. It is obvious that those acting against Armenian-Russian friendship do not want good either to Russia or to Armenia.’

“Earlier, on April 12, 2014, in Yerevan, Volynkin stated Russia would prevent any intervention in the domestic affairs of its partner nations, ‘with implied dissemination of ideas alien to our hearts and minds.’

“Armenia’s authorities have not so far adequately responded to such statements.

“We consider this kind of statements both a violation of accepted diplomatic norms and a blatant intervention in Armenia’s domestic affairs, as well as yet another attempt of encroaching against the sovereignty of Armenia.

“Ambassador Volynkin is obliged to be vigilant and alert, and understand and respect the Republic of Armenia Constitution to know that Armenia is a sovereign, democratic and legal state. With this statement, Volynkin has placed himself beyond the law.

“We urge the Armenian authorities to call Russian Ambassador to Armenia Volynkin to order and achieve his dismissal from office or have him apologize to the citizens of Armenia.

“Declaring at the same time that Armenia does not have any organizations carrying out activities against the Armenian-Russian relations, we recommend that Ambassador Volynkin organize the hunt against such witches beyond the borders of the Republic of Armenia.”