Eduard Sharmazanov: Armenia-Russia military cooperation – one of RA national security components

August 17, 2010 - 14:45 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Oncoming visit of RF President Dmitry Medvedev to Armenia suggests positive development of Armenia-Russia cooperation, RPA secretary Eduard Sharmazanov stated.

As he told a news conference in Yerevan, “A 49-year extension of Russian military base deployment in Armenia will preserve regional balance. After amendments are introduced to a contract, Russian base will be responsible not only for defending Armenian borders but also implementation of the country’s safety protection mechanisms.”

Commenting on possible reasons behind deployment term extension, Sharmazanov noted that in view of Azeri militaristic statements and USD 0,5 million military budget increase, Armenia has to take care of its own safety. “Upon agreement conclusion, the military base will alter its functions and become upgraded with modern military equipment. This will render Armenian national security system practically invulnerable,” RPA secretary concluded.