ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Dec 1 2006

RA FM: MURDERS OF ARMENIANS AND RA CITIZENS IN RUSSIA DO NOT AFFECT
RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO STATES

Armenia-Russia relations are very good, deep and strategic, RA FM,
Vardan Oskanyan, said at today’s press-conference, asked if the
murders of Armenians and RA citizens in Russia affect the relations
between the two states.

"Of course, these murders cause deep regret and pain. It is a serious
problem and not only for Armenia. It is a more serious for Russia ",
RA FM said. He noted that murders of Armenians are mostly seen in
Armenia, but the persons of other nationalities are killed as well.
As the Minister said, the issue must worry the Russian side and RF
authorities have to take very serious steps to stop this phenomena,
otherwise, it may go on with more range. At the same time, the
Minister stressed again that it does not affect the Armenian-Russian
relations.

Asked about the recent statement of RA Ambassador to Russia, Armen
Smbatyan, who estimated the Armenian- Russian relations for "five
plus", V. Oskanyan said one should not talk by estimations. At the
same time, the Minister refused to comment the Ambassador Smbatyan’s
activity.