Armenia Does Not Seek to Interfere in Every Global Issue, Pashinyan Says

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia does not intend to respond to every international statement or involve itself in every global issue.

Speaking to reporters, Pashinyan was asked whether he would respond to remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the summit of the European Political Community, which the Russian side interpreted as threats toward Russia.

Pashinyan said that the summit was a multilateral platform and that serving as the host country’s leader did not obligate him to react to every speech made during the gathering.

“I do not think that as the head of the host country’s government I should censor or necessarily respond to everything,” Pashinyan said.

He noted that leaders frequently express differing viewpoints at such forums and pointed out that he had previously attended events where Russian President Vladimir Putin made statements about other countries without expecting Armenia to comment on them.

Pashinyan stressed that Armenia’s participation in multiple international organizations does not mean the country must become involved in all global conflicts.

“Armenia is a member of the European Political Community, the EAEU, and the CIS, but that does not mean we seek to interfere in every global issue,” he said.

According to the prime minister, Armenia is a small country focused on its own agenda.

“We are a small country with our own modest priorities, and we do not always believe it is necessary to rush ahead and make statements on every global issue,” he added.

Pashinyan said Armenia nevertheless seeks to make its modest contribution toward global stability and peace.