Russia says it wants rule of law in Armenia after foiling of alleged coup plot there

MOSCOW - The Kremlin, commenting on reports of a foiled coup plot in Armenia, said it was interested in law and order being upheld in the South Caucasus country but that the events there were an internal matter for Yerevan.

Armenian authorities on Wednesday arrested a prominent archbishop who led protests last year against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and accused him of orchestrating a plot to overthrow the government.

Armenia is a treaty ally of Russia and traditionally a close partner, although bilateral relations have become strained in recent years as Yerevan grows closer to the West.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said Russia hoped there would be no new escalation of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan as the two sides are close to signing a peace deal. REUTERS

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