ARMENIA NOT POSITIONED TO INFLUENCE RUSSIA ON NGO

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 002207 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN, DRL E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/22/2015 TAGS: PREL PHUM RS AM GOV SUBJECT: ARMENIA NOT POSITIONED TO INFLUENCE RUSSIA ON NGO LAW REF: STATE 229260 Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief C. Doell for reasons 1.4 (b,d). (C) On Decemebr 22, the Charge d'Affaires delivered reftel points to Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakossian, and noted continued USG concern over the Russian draft law on NGOs. Kirakossian told the Charge that Armenia's heavy dependence on expensive Russian natural gas (ref B),and not Russia's NGO law, is the main issue on Armenia's agenda with Russia. Armenia is not in a position, Kirakossian said, to influence the Russian policy on NGOs. GODFREY