David Arushanyan, governor of the Chirak district in Armenia, does not believe that he insulted the Russian people with his statement about "Ivans". When asked if he would ask for forgiveness, he replied: "No one should think that I can hurt a great and friendly nation. There was no such thing in my words." The official also disagreed with the assessments of Russian officials who saw the Nazi rhetoric in his words, and stated that his position was shared by the Russians living in Gyumri - the relations with them he calls very positive.