Armenian Authorities Did Not Visit Russian Embassy to Offer Condolences, Reports 'Zhoghovurd'

'Zhoghovurd' newspaper reports that the Armenian authorities cannot express solidarity and condolences towards a friendly country even in the event of a national tragedy. Following the declaration of a nationwide mourning day in Russia due to the terrorist incident at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, a condolence book was opened at the Russian Embassy in Armenia starting Monday. Numerous public and political figures, opposition members, citizens, and members of the National Assembly expressed their condolences there.

'Zhoghovurd' noted that in the wake of the tragedy, Armenian officials did not visit the Russian embassy nor offered condolences for the innocent victims in Russia. Only two officials attended: Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Alexey Sandikov, a Russian MP from the ruling 'Civil Contract' party, who posted a condolence message regarding the March 22 terrorist attack in Moscow.

Where were the other members of the 'Civil Contract' party? Were they busy, or did Prime Minister Pashinyan prohibit them from visiting the Russian embassy that day? It is also noteworthy that the members of the inter-parliamentary commission between the National Assembly of Armenia and the Federal Assembly of Russia from the 'Civil Contract' showed indifference as well.

Who are these 'indifferent' members from the commission? The commission is led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hakob Arshakyan, and its members include head of the 'Civil Contract' faction Hayk Konjoryan, MPs Gurgen Arsenyan (who once sought the position of ambassador to Russia), Vladimir Vardanyan, Tsolinar Vardanyan, Arusyak Julhakyan, Vahe Ghalumyan, Vagharshak Hakobyan, Hasmik Hakobyan, Babken Tunyan, Mikayel Tumasyan, and Shirak Torosyan.