Lavrov, Mirzoyan hold talks in Yerevan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has begun official talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan during his two-day working visit to Yerevan that started on May 20, according to Armenpress.

Concurrently, members of the European Alliance — Arman Babajanyan, Tigran Khzmalyan, Artur Sakunts — along with over ten supporters, staged an anti-Russian protest outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, reports Panorama.am .

The police urged protesters to relocate to the opposite sidewalk, citing security and operational reasons. Babajanyan questioned this directive: “Why shouldn't we protest here?” Police responded that the current location was unsuitable for service-related concerns.

An officer addressed Babajanyan, stating, “We ask that you carry out your peaceful protest on the opposite sidewalk. That's our final word.” Babajanyan replied, “It’s not in your interest to speak to us this way and issue what amounts to ultimatums.”

Another officer added that a protocol event was underway and public order was being maintained, reiterating the request to move.

Babajanyan accused the authorities of acting under political pressure: “By order of the political leadership… the Russians instructed you to disrupt this peaceful gathering of 10-15 people.”

Despite their initial refusal, the protestors eventually moved to the sidewalk across from the Foreign Ministry.

On May 21, Lavrov is scheduled to meet with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Vahagn Khachaturyan, and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

Photos circulating on social media on May 20 showed anti-Putin posters reportedly linked to Lavrov’s visit. However, some sources later clarified the posters had been displayed for an Iranian delegation’s reception, not Lavrov's arrival.