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It is the Armenian government, not the US envoy, that is to respond to the statements of Russian officials regarding the country’s domestic situation, US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills told reporters on Wednesday.

“I have seen those comments. It is for the Armenian government to respond to the comments from the Russian government,” he said, commenting on the question whether those assessments can be considered pressure on the new Armenian authorities and interference into the country’s domestic affairs. 

“Our view remains that there is a need for a thorough and fair investigation into the events of March 2008. And it is important that investigation be carried out in accordance with the rule of law and Armenian due process,” he added.

Earlier Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow considers the investigation of March 1 case Armenia’s ‘domestic affair’ but is troubled by the ‘simmering’ situation in the country.

"We are concerned that the situation in Armenia is still boiling, in particular, events that took place ten years ago are being investigated and arrests are taking place," Lavrov said.

"We believe that it is Armenia’s domestic affair and would like these domestic affairs to remain based on the country’s laws and constitution so that they can be resolved as soon as possible and Armenia can focus on creative tasks," he added.

The March 1 case is an ongoing investigation into the 2008 post-election crackdown in Yerevan, which left ten people, including two police officers, dead.