Pashinyan`s claims about the presence of "KGB agents" among Armenian clergy are aimed at gaining popularity among Westerners- Zakharova

ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's claims about the presence of "KGB agents" among Armenian clergy are aimed at gaining popularity among Westerners. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a briefing on March 18.

According to her, Westerners are the ones who still living in an anti-Soviet paradigm, which is now turning into a Russophobic frenzy. "We have repeatedly emphasized and pointed out the extreme danger of politicizing and marginalizing issues related to faith and belief, clergy, and religious traditions. Such approaches can lead to a dangerous division in society. They destroy traditions rather than reputations, sowing disbelief among people. The key issue is that all these matters are being politicized, which could be addressed, and resolved in a sensitive manner," Zakharova said.

During the briefing, Zakharova expressed bewilderment at Pashinyan's remarks about "third countries" and references to former KGB officers among the Armenian clergy. "I don't understand which third country he's talking about. I don't understand who Nikol Pashinyan is referring to when he mentions KGB agents. Who is he talking about? Mr. Aliyev? From the subtext, I understand that he's referring to Heydar Aliyev, but no, he's actually talking about the country's clergy," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated.

Recall, on March 11, when speaking in the European Parliament, Nikol Pashinyan alleged that KGB agents were among the clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.