MOSCOW, June 24. /TASS/. Armenia is facing a choice that will chart the country’s course for years to come, something Moscow is certainly concerned about, considering the fraternal nature of relations between the nations, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

He also noted that Russia, as an ally of Belarus, will always stand by this country in resolving economic issues and repelling various threats.

TASS has compiled the key statements from the Kremlin representative.

Armenia's choice

The Armenian leadership is now choosing its course of development, and Russia cares greatly about that: "We see that Armenia, the leadership of Armenia, is at a crossroads. The leadership of Armenia speaks of an upcoming choice regarding the country’s path of development. This is a crucial matter for us, because Russia and Armenia have been neighboring and fraternal countries for many centuries."

Russia-Armenia integration contributes to Armenia's economic development: "For many centuries, Russia and Armenia have been neighboring and fraternal countries. We are closely intertwined in this regard, and there are many Armenians living in our country, and Russians living in Armenia. And we are united by a very good integration process. We are convinced that this integration process, that being the EAEU, contributes a significant percentage to Armenia's GDP growth every year."

Russia hopes that Armenia will ultimately choose the EAEU, as this integration is significantly more advantageous than its potential EU membership: "We are convinced that our integration paradigm surpasses other alternatives in quality. And we hope that, first of all, the Armenian people and also the current Armenian leadership will come to the same conclusion after analyzing the situation."

The Middle East

Commenting on the agreement between the United States and Iran is difficult, because it has not yet been struck: "An agreement between the United States and Iran has not yet been reached, and a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the United States and Iran, which are documents of different nature. We know that there are only 60 days left to reach an agreement, even less already."

Russia hails the US-Iran memorandum and the involvement of intermediaries: "We certainly highly appreciate this memorandum, and we highly appreciate the efforts of the mediators and the efforts of the countries participating in these negotiations, which have at least pushed back the threshold of hostilities for the foreseeable future. We believe this is very positive for both the region and the world as a whole."

The unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz will allow the global economy to begin "licking its wounds: The fact that the Strait of Hormuz is now unblocked will allow the global economy to begin licking the wounds it has suffered from this conflict."

Threats against Belarus

Russia, as an ally of Belarus, will always stand by this country both in resolving economic issues and in repelling all kinds of threats: "We are allied states, and Russia will always stick up for Belarus - both in economic prosperity, economic well-being, joint development, and in fending off all kinds of threats, whether they are direct threats, quasi-threats, prospective threats, or real threats."

Ukrainian settlement

BRICS cannot act as a mediator in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, because it is not an organization: "BRICS cannot play the role of a broker in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as BRICS is not an organization."

All BRICS countries are ready to contribute to the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict: "All these nations have expressed their readiness to contribute to the resolution of the situation in Ukraine, and we are grateful to these countries for their support."

Russia is grateful to American negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for their constructive efforts in resolving the situation in Ukraine, and the contacts will continue: "We are thankful to Mr. Witkoff and Mr. Kushner for their efforts, which we consider to be very constructive."

Russia still has no idea which platform can be used for talks on the Ukrainian settlement: "No, it’s not clear what platform it will be."

Russia has consistently stuck to the position that a Ukrainian settlement must be based on the agreements reached in Istanbul: "This is the consistent position of the Russian president, he talks about it all the time, he talked about it two years ago at the Foreign Ministry, where he outlined the main parameters of our position, which is necessary to end the war."

Dialogue with the EU

To engage in dialogue with the EU, you need to first understand that they are ready: "First, one must be sure that Europe actually wants to engage in dialogue."

Change of leadership in South Ossetia

A new South Ossetian leadership should not be interpreted as a sign that the republic is going to become a part of Russia: "No, that’s not the case."

Relations with India

Russia and India have a particularly privileged partnership, while Moscow is committed to further growing relations: "India is the world's largest country by population, one of the world's fastest-growing economies, a country with potential in all areas, and a country with which we have a particularly privileged partnership. We also participate in international organizations. Of course, we attach great importance to further improving our relations and expanding them to new horizons."

Elections to the State Duma

It is common knowledge which party Putin will back in the parliamentary polls this fall: "Everyone knows which party the president supports during elections."

The rights of Republika Srpska

Republika Srpska’s autonomy must remain intact: "I believe that both Republika Srpska and Belgrade are capable of defending their rights within the current system. We also hope and believe that the autonomy of Republika Srpska must be guaranteed in the current system. This autonomy must not be eroded or devalued in any way."