Basic goal of Russian military base in Armenia is to protect Russia’s interestsAugust 27, 2010 - 19:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Protocol on extension of the Russian military base deployment term in Armenia is signed for 49 years and nothing else. “It does not change the Russian military base’s function in Armenia, the number of its servicemen and the amount of arms available there,” the Minister said. According to him, there are not any changes that the Protocol on military base may introduce to the balance of forces in the region. Besides, the extension of current functions and parameters of the Russian military base for 49 years does not violate any agreements. “The basic goal of the Russian military base is to protect Russia’s interests, which, of course, include preservation of stability in South Caucasus, Caspian region. This was the initial goal set before the Russian military base when the relevant agreement was signed. And this goal has not changed anyhow,” concluded Sergey Lavrov, Trend News reported. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |