Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan commented on the Foreign Intelligence Service’s recent statement claiming foreign meddling targeting Armenians abroad ahead of the general elections.

Speaking at a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting, Pashinyan said that, first of all, a legal assessment must be conducted.

“And politically, I have already said that I have no doubt that, if such a situation were theoretically possible, the majority of our compatriots living in Russia would vote in our favor,” Pashinyan said.

Asked why the Foreign Intelligence Service did not specify the country involved, he added: “That is a matter of the volume and relevance of the information. I believe that more detailed clarifications will be provided in the future, as needed.”

Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service warned earlier this week of a foreign interference threat, noting that gathered intelligence indicates that “various actors” are attempting to meddle in the country’s upcoming June 7 parliamentary elections by pressuring Armenians abroad—specifically in a certain country—to support certain political parties. The Investigative Committee has launched an investigation. The intelligence agency did not name the country involved. 

The Prime Minister had earlier commented on claims that Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia party allegedly intends to transport Armenian nationals living in Russia to Armenia ahead of the June 7 elections to secure their votes. Pashinyan said that even if the Russian-Armenians came to vote, they would support his Civil Contract party rather than Strong Armenia.