Armenia, Russia strengthening relations

PanARMENIAN.Net - “The 49-year extension of Russian military base deployment in Armenia will help maintain regional balance. After amendments are introduced to the contract, the base will be responsible not only for defending Armenian borders but also implementation of the country’s safety protection mechanisms,” he said. Commenting on possible reasons behind deployment term extension, Sharmazanov noted that in view of Azeri warlike statements and USD 0,5 million military budget increase, Armenia has to take care of its own safety. “Upon conclusion of the agreement, the base will be replenished with more modern equipment. This will make Armenian national security system practically invulnerable,” he concluded.

Former NKR Foreign Minister Arman Melikyan said that Russian President’s visit to Armenia and CSTO informal summit in Yerevan prove existence of new processes in the region. As to extension of Russian military base deployment term in Armenia, he noted that while Armenia remains the stronghold of anti-Turkish attitude in the region, a number of countries, including Russia, are interested in having a military base-related agreement.

Armenia has no reason to quit the Collective Security Treaty Organization, according to expert Sergei Minasyan. “Formation of rapid reaction force will offer Armenia an opportunity to develop military cooperation with Russia and other CSTO members, specifically Kazakhstan, which holds the OSCE chairmanship and enjoys good relations with Azerbaijan but has to demonstrate a balanced approach to Karabakh issue as a CSTO member,” Minasyan said. “As to signature of the protocol on extension of Russian base deployment terms up to 49 years, it proves that Russia is ready to render the essential military assistance to Armenia in case of necessity,” he noted.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian stated that the extension of the terms of Russian base deployment in Armenia means that Russian military base jointly with the Armenian armed forces will ensure security of the republic, providing Armenia with armament and modern defense technologies. He also noted that Armenia appreciates Russia’s mediation in Karabakh process and supports President Medvedev’s initiative for European security pact.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his wife, Svetlana Medvedeva were welcomed by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and his spouse, Rita Sargsyan, in Zartnots airport. Upon a solemn ceremony where both countries' hymns were sounded, Dmitry Medvedev and accompanying officials visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Later on, a reception in honor of the Russian President and his spouse was organized in the residence of Armenian President.

“Mr. Medvedev’s visit to Armenia offers an opportunity to discuss the Armenian-Russian cooperation. We are proud of our friendly relations and multilateral collaboration, which is a major factor for ensuring security and stability in the Caucasus. I am confident that we will implement all bilateral projects,” President Sargsyan said.

For his part, the Russian President thanked his Armenian counterpart for warm welcome. “Our relations date back centuries, indeed. And what’s important, our nations traditionally supported each other at the most dramatic historical junctures. There are many examples to prove it. Armenia was among the first countries to reach a helping hand to Russia during the recent forest fires, bringing great deal of moral and material support. Russian-Armenian relations, bilateral as well as in the framework of the CSTO and CIS, are really very close. They can be called exemplary in every respect. Our dialogue is mutually beneficial, both at the personal and regional levels, which is important and commendable. I would like to personally thank the leadership of Armenia, all our counterparts for strengthening our relations, for their sincere will to develop our partnership and expand ties. This state visit is a symbol of that very partnership,” he said.

During a joint news conference, President Sargsyan said that Armenian-Russian relations, regional and international security were in the focus of talks with his Russian counterpart. “Defense cooperation, construction of new power generating unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant and economic relations were discussed. We also referred to Karabakh conflict settlement, where Armenia’s position remains unchangeable: Karabakh conflict should be resolved peacefully and on the basis of international law. I would like to thank President Medvedev for his contribution to the peace process,” he said.

Mr. Medvedev, for his part, stated that Russia is resolved to continue mediation for peace and stability in South Caucasus. “We spare no effort to prevent any possibility of a new war in the South Caucasus. Besides, the intermediary institutions dealing with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict should meet the requirements of the countries which are holding complicated talks. It’s impossible to impose mediators but is the conflicting sides voice wish to attract new intermediaries, Russia will accept the decision,” he said, adding that the OSCE Minsk Groups is still efficient.

Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan and his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov signed in Yerevan a protocol on extension of Russian military base deployment terms in RA till 2044. The Ministers also signed a memorandum on defense cooperation. Russian and Armenian Presidents attended the signing ceremony.

A protocol on construction of a new power-generating unit of Metsamor NPP was signed in Yerevan on August 20 by RA Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan and Rosatom chief Sergei Kiriyenko. In accordance with the protocol, a Russian–Armenian joint venture will be founded for the purpose.

Opening the informal CSTO summit, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan voiced hope for productive work. Meanwhile, Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev noted that no statements will be made during the summit, which will be solely dedicated to discussion on formation and activity of collective rapid reaction force. The summit is hosting Presidents of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Russia, as well as CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha.

“During the first sitting, participants exchanged views on a range of issues including situation in Kyrgyzstan and assistance that can be rendered to the republic. Collaboration in the framework of the Organization was discussed, with parties agreeing on the necessity to take relations to a new level,” President Sargsyan stated at a briefing that followed.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, in turn, noted that CSTO is a real force capable of influencing developments in member states. “We’ve outlined future plans to be given detailed discussion at the Moscow’s CSTO summit in December. As you’re aware, Belarus will be the next country to hold the assume the duty,” he said.

As to Collective Rapid Reaction Force, the Russian President said it should become a new, more effective mechanism. “New documents clearly stipulating RRF composition, commission and tasks are being currently developed. I hope these documents will be adopted by consensus.”