Russian military base in Gyumri not to hamper process of Armenia’s integration into Europe

PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of European Integration NGO Karen Bekaryan said that the extension of Russian military base deployment term in Armenia will not affect the republic’s relations with the US and EU.

Armenia understands that the extension of Russian military base deployment term cannot be, to put it mildly, welcomed by the West, Bekaryan told a press conference in Yerevan. “But one should not forget that western countries are well aware of the fact that the Armenian-Turkish process was failed by Turkey, while such a small country as Armenia is rather vulnerable for Turkey,” said Bekaryan.

He noted that the West has not managed to persuade Turkey to ratify the Armenian-Turkish Protocols, thus, Armenia is trying to find other ways for ensuring its security. “Due to this very fact, the extension of Russian military base deployment term in Armenia will not affect the process of Armenia’s integration into Europe, its bilateral relations with the EU and West. We should get rid of the stereotype that Armenia cannot be an EU member, being a CSTO member at the same time. Armenia’s membership in the EU will be advantageous also for Russia, for which Armenia will be a partner inside the organization,” concluded Karen Bekaryan.