Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan stated that the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov did not involve an agreement to open a Russian consulate in Syunik, reports Pastinfo.

“There was no announcement that it would be opened. Most likely it was said that it would be discussed, and it was discussed,” Grigoryan told reporters.

During a briefing in parliament, Civil Contract faction MP Armen Khachatryan addressed the same topic, saying that there is currently no news about opening a Russian consulate in Syunik, according to Sputnik Armenia.

When asked whether the Armenian government is withholding consent, in reference to Lavrov's comment that consulate discussions took place, Khachatryan responded, “If it’s been discussed, it should be opened. Why assume that the Armenian authorities are creating obstacles?”

Pressed further on what the issue might be, he said, “It’s Russia’s issue.”

Khachatryan added that negotiations over opening a French consulate also lasted two to three years. He noted that discussions began after Azerbaijan’s attack on Syunik in September 2022.

He believes the establishment of the French consulate in Syunik would be an important and positive development for the region.

He also announced that the honorary consulate of France is scheduled to open on June 2, and he will attend the event.

Earlier, Hraparak newspaper, citing government sources, reported that Lavrov’s visit did not resolve the issue of opening a Russian consulate in Syunik. Despite previous Russian claims of a concrete agreement by May, sources stated that everything possible is being done to prevent the consulate's opening.