
ArmInfo. The Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs responded to complaints from Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgolami that the Armenian side is ignoring their concerns regarding protests that a group of individuals have been holding for almost a week in front of the Iranian diplomatic mission.
The Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs statement emphasized that, in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, as well as other international and bilateral obligations, the country ensures the security of all diplomatic missions accredited in the Republic of Armenia, including the embassy of the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran, and guarantees the necessary conditions for normal operations.
The ministry added that there is ongoing working cooperation with the Iranian embassy in Armenia on this issue.
"All aforementioned assemblies were facilitated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in accordance with established legislation, ensuring the safety of both the participants and the embassy building. It should also be noted that during one of the assemblies, one participant was subjected to administrative arrest for committing an act under Article 182 of the RA Code of Administrative Offenses (Failure to comply with a lawful demand of a police officer)," the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.
It is also noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue to ensure compliance with the procedure for holding peaceful assemblies in accordance with established legal procedures.
"Armenia, as a democratic state, is obligated, within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the Law on Freedom of Assembly, and its international obligations, not to impede the exercise of citizens' rights to freedom of movement and freedom of peaceful assembly," the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs concluded. It should be noted that on January 14, at a press conference in Yerevan, the Iranian ambassador complained that the Armenian authorities were ignoring their requests regarding the daily protests in front of the embassy, which have been taking place for six days now. He noted that offensive statements were being made during the protests and added that Tehran was under the impression that Armenia was becoming a hub for hostile actions against Iran.