Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has expressed concern over the arrest of five Russian citizens in Armenia since the beginning of the year following requests from foreign countries.
Zakharova criticized the actions of several Western countries toward Russian nationals abroad, saying that Armenia had also been affected, TASS reports.
“Several Western countries have literally launched a hunt for Russian citizens around the world. Unfortunately, Armenia has not been an exception, as five Russian citizens have been arrested in the republic since the beginning of the year following relevant foreign requests. Naturally, this situation causes us serious concern,” Zakharova said.
According to the spokeswoman, Russian diplomats regularly visit the detained citizens at the facilities where they are being held. She added that Moscow had received reports of deteriorating health among some of those arrested.
Zakharova also recalled that Russia had proposed a legal solution to Armenia more than a year ago, involving the signing of a bilateral agreement.
“More than a year ago, we proposed a legal solution to our Armenian colleagues through the signing of an appropriate bilateral agreement. Moreover, the draft submitted to Yerevan for discussion also took into account the wishes of the Armenian side. Nevertheless, we have not received any response to this day,” she said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed that Russian nationals should not be affected by political circumstances.
“Russian citizens must not become hostages to political circumstances,” Zakharova stated.
She added that Moscow would continue to pay particular attention to the issue and make every possible effort to secure the release of the detained Russian citizens.
