An article on “GazProm’s” influence on Russian foreign policy published in the 10th editon of the German “Der Spiegel” weekly on March 5, 2007 presents comments about Armenia, with reference to former Prime Minister of Armenia and rector of the Russian-Armenian University Armen Darbinyan.
“I have nothing against the reputation of “Der Spiegel”, but I care more about my own reputation. That is why I want to announce that whatever is printed in that article and referred to me is fraudulent and absurd,” said Darbinyan. According to the former Armenian Prime Minister, the authors did not even consider it necessary to make sure whom they had met and talked with and have presented him as the rector of some non-existent Russian-Armenian Institute of Economy. “This is enough to say that they are non-professional and dishonest,” said Darbinyan, adding that he has already appealed to the publishers of “Der Spiegel”, demanding that they deny the information, and is ready to defend his rights in court, including the German tribunal.