Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs Issues Clarification

Clarification: The Republic of Armenia ensures the security of all accredited diplomatic representations, including the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran's embassy, and guarantees the necessary conditions for normal operations. This was stated in a release by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

“In connection with the statements made at the press conference convened by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khalil Shirgola, regarding the protests taking place in front of the Iranian embassy in Armenia, we inform that the Republic of Armenia provides security for all accredited diplomatic representations in the Republic of Armenia, including the embassy of the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran, within the framework of the provisions of the ‘Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations’ and other international and bilateral obligations. There is a constant working relationship with the Iranian embassy in Armenia on the issue at hand.

It is also worth noting that all mentioned gatherings were managed in accordance with the law, ensuring the safety of both the participants and the embassy building. Additionally, it should be mentioned that during one of the gatherings, a participant was subjected to administrative detention for an act provided for by Article 182 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Republic of Armenia (failure to comply with a legal order of a police officer). The Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue to manage peaceful gatherings in accordance with the law.

At the same time, as a democratic state, the Republic of Armenia is obligated under the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the ‘Law on Freedom of Assemblies,’ and international obligations not to obstruct the exercise of citizens' rights to free movement and the freedom of peaceful assembly,” the statement said.

It is reminded that in Tehran, there is a perception that Armenia is becoming a center for the activities of forces that are hostile to Iran. This was stated by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Iran to Armenia, Khalil Shirgola, during a press conference held on January 14.