Zakharova on expulsion of illegal immigrants from UK to Armenia: If there were no meaningful negotiations, maybe there were meaningless ones?
ArmInfo. The information that the United Kingdom is negotiating to deport illegal migrants to Armenia is very similar to the Rwandan scheme, but it is that should Yerevan comment on this matter. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, announced during the weekly briefing on April 18, with a request to comment on this issue.
"We heard a statement from the Armenian Foreign Ministry, which stated that there were no meaningful negotiations between the parties on this matter. Well, if there were no meaningful ones, maybe there were insignificant ones? It is more correct to ask them. Clarify what was discussed, then we'll probably be able to comment on it. "But, I agree with you, this is a classic scheme that the British are acting on. It's surprising that they offered it to Armenia," the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
According to her, Moscow understands that the migration issue has become so acute for London that they are willing to pay considerable sums just to realize their own ideas in this colonial style. "But, after all, not Armenia in any case: They're all there, in the West, shouting that they want to ensure the security of this country. Is this what Armenia needs now?" she asked.
Days earlier the Times newspaper reported, with reference to documents from the British Foreign Office, that the kingdom was negotiating with Armenia about the expulsion of illegal migrants. In general, the list of possible countries for deportation from the UK includes Armenia, Costa Rica, Botswana and Cote d'Ivoire. Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia and Gambia are also mentioned, which refused to cooperate with Great Britain in the matter of the deportation of migrants. It is noted that technical negotiations with the Armenian government began in September last year, but progress has stalled.
"The British government hopes that negotiations can resume as soon as the Rwandan scheme becomes operational. Armenia is awaiting the outcome of the Rwandan bill," the paper wrote. There are reports that the UK offers payments for each accepted migrant.