Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS) has warned of a possible risk of foreign interference in the parliamentary elections scheduled for June, according to a statement commentary reported by Armenpress.
The agency said it often cannot disclose detailed information in public statements due to the need to protect operational methods, sources and the nature of intelligence work.
However, it noted that relevant operational information is shared with law enforcement bodies.
According to the service, the purpose of the statement is to inform the public about possible illegal processes and help prevent external threats directed against Armenia and its citizens.
Asked which political forces might benefit from such interference, the intelligence service said its mandate is not linked to the political alignment or interests of specific parties, whether in government or opposition.
At the same time, the agency stated that available information indicates the pressure is intended to provide support to certain opposition forces.
The Foreign Intelligence Service added that the information it receives points to a potential risk of outside interference in Armenia’s democratic elections.
The agency said it continues to work within its mandate and cooperate with all Armenian state bodies to counter such threats.
In its earlier statement on March 10, the service said that various actors abroad, presenting themselves as representatives of foreign special services, have attempted to exert pressure on ethnic Armenians and Armenian citizens engaged in business activities in that country.
According to the intelligence service, these individuals are being pushed to support certain political forces participating in Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
On the same day, the police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs forwarded the report to the Investigative Committee, which subsequently initiated a criminal case.
