In an interview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant, RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan noted that international sanctions on neighboring Iran hinder the development of economic relations with Armenia.

“Iran is one of the two neighbors we have relations with. International sanctions against Iran prevent the development of its economic relations with Armenia. They restrict the opportunities of diversification of our economy, raise the geopolitical risks for Armenia, and cause harm to the investment attractiveness,” the Prime Minister said. 

PM Sargsyan said he does not share the opinion that the EU Eastern Partnership seeks to decrease Russian influence on post-Soviet territory.

“We cooperate with NATO and the European Union, but these processes are not directed against a third country. Likewise, our strategic relations with Russia are not directed against the EU. Armenia’s strategic partner Russia is aware of all cooperation programs Armenia joins, be it EU, NATO, U.S., Iran, China or Georgia,” he said.

When asked if Armenia would allow the construction of a similar station on its territory if Russia and Azerbaijan fail to agree on the terms of use of the Gabala Radar Station, PM Tigran Sargsyan said, “Why not?”

Sargsyan added that there are advantages to having such a station in Armenia, given that it is a mountainous country and the station could have a longer range.