«Since 2020, Russia has closed my entrance with the help of the opposition» - Samvel Babayan

«I have been saying for over a year that we should suspend our activities with the CSTO, as at least four of the CSTO members congratulated Azerbaijan. We have nothing to do there. In terms of Russia, on the contrary, we need to deepen our bilateral relations with the Russian Federation,» said Samvel Babayan, the leader of the United Homeland party, in an interview with a journalist.

Regarding the closure of his entry into Armenia by State Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin, Babayan stated that Russia has barred his entry since March 11, 2020, and that he has not received any justification for this decision.

When asked whether Babayan has approached the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request that they send an inquiry to Russia, similar to their inquiry regarding Zatulin, Babayan responded: «The authorities were aware of this. It was with the help of the opposition that Russia has closed my entrance.»