Zakharova: “Statements from Yerevan About the Railway Are Strange”

MOSCOW — “The statements coming from Yerevan regarding the Armenian railway are strange and somewhat unacceptable,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a briefing, commenting on the Armenian prime minister’s recent remarks.

“Armenia’s railway network has been under the management of the South Caucasus Railway company for more than 20 years. During this time, the Russian company has not only consistently fulfilled its obligations as the operator, but has also invested significant resources in modernizing infrastructure and rolling stock. However, it seems that this is being forgotten in Yerevan,” Zakharova stated.

According to her, “the Russian railway operator is not a structure that deprives Armenia of competitive opportunities, but rather one that creates them.”

Regarding Moscow’s position on the restoration of two railway sections connecting Armenia to Azerbaijan and Turkey at Yerevan’s request, Zakharova noted that Russia’s approach had been clearly expressed on February 12 by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk.

“We remain committed to that position,” the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.