ArmInfo.Russia's Embassy in Armenia has issued a statement on Wednesday expressing indignation at the allegations that Russian structures were involved in the explosion at Yerevan's Surmalu shopping center last Sunday, which claimed 16 lives, leaving over 60 injured.
The statement posted on the embassy's Facebook page reads as follows:
"We are indignant with cynical information disseminated by local media which contains accusations against Russian structures in connection with the tragedy that occurred on August 14 this year at the Surmalu shopping center.
"We consider such reports direct provocation by the political forces behind these insinuations, aimed at undermining the Russian-Armenian allied relations. We expect the Armenian authorities to take steps to put an end to such unfriendly displays, including through public comments.
"The Embassy has sent a relevant note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.
"We should note that the Russian side, represented by the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center, has been involved in the search and rescue operations helping to deal with the aftermath since the first moments after the tragedy."