YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—The Russian and Armenian governments have finalized a far-reaching agreement that will prolong and upgrade Russian military presence in Armenia, a diplomatic source in Yerevan said on Friday.
The source told RFE/RL’s Armenian service that the two governments have worked out corresponding amendments to a 1995 treaty regulating the presence of a Russian military base in the country. They are likely to be signed during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Armenia next week, he said.
The amendments will extend Russia’s basing rights by 24 years, to 2044, and upgrade the mission of its troops headquartered in Gyumri. The Interfax news agency reported on July 30 that a relevant “protocol” submitted to Medvedev by the Russian government makes clear that the troops will have not only “functions stemming from the interests of the Russian Federation,” but also “protect Armenia’s security together with Armenian Army units.” It also commits Russia to supplying its regional ally with “modern and compatible weaponry and special military hardware.”
Armenian Revolutionary Federation Political Affairs Director Giro said on Friday that the changes will be “worrisome” as long as the Armenian government has not convincingly explained their rationale.
“My impression is that Russia has found an opportune moment to clinch from Armenia an extension of its basing rights in return for satisfying some of Armenia’s demands,” Manoyan told a news conference.
Russia is a true Ally
Well –
“States do not have Morale only Interests” !!!.
This holds true bouth regarding Russia and to som extent even Armenia.
Arn.Sweden.
This is one more step along the road to the re-Sovietization of Armenia.
When Russia totally controls Armenia, Armenia loses its independence and is ripe for a Russian sellout (recall the Russian giveaway of western Armenia to Turkey and the Russian giveaway of Karabagh and Nakhichevan to Azerbaijan).
UNFORTUNATLY I WILL HAVE TO AGREE
There will be no Sovietization of neither Armenia nor Russia,
althoug Russia will turn to a Military Dictatorship for some couple of years.
Arn.Sweden.
I don’t like this. Russia is broadening it’s foothold in Armenia. It at least does not want Armenia to go by way of Georgia into more and more West leaning. It could also mean a closer base from which to threaten Georgia and maybe even Azerbaijan. From what little is mentioned in this article, it sounds like Russia will have greater freedom of movement in and from Armenia.
I think what Giro said is right. Given Azerbaijan’s weapons buildup, Armenia needs weapons to meet that threat. Russia is more than willing to help out, but with concessions from Armenia.
Having Armenia and Azerbaijan at each other’s throats benefits Russia, no one else.
First of all this is a “STRATEGIC” move by Russia,
safeguarding her State-National interests regarding World-politic.
It could also be a “TACTICAL” move as you sugests,
that Russia is hiding her “Strategic Interest”,
behind making a “NEED INTEREST” of Armenia ,
for Russias support of Armenia.
By the way –
” – I think what Giro said is right. Given Azerbaijan’s weapons buildup, Armenia needs weapons to meet that threat. Russia is more than willing to help out, but with concessions from Armenia.
Having Armenia and Azerbaijan at each other’s throats benefits Russia, no one else – “.
Comment-
Azerbadjans Behaviour is Boosted by Turkey and the US,
this has nothing to do with Russia as such.
It is the Turkish Pan -Turkish dreams as such,
(Strategy),
that Russia is acting against.
Arn.Sweden-
Mr.Manoyan,I’m Tashnag but let us use some common sence. How could we challenge the enemy who has the ultimate support of the West and NATO on the western front, and another nuisance on the eastern front, without having the backing of our longtime ally ,Russia? There’s an old saying,’ You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” Russia and Armenia need each other.
Can someone please explain what this “defense deal” and “Russian military presence in Armenia” means?
Does it mean Russia will destroy Azerbaijan if they attack Armenia (Artsakh) or will they just sit around in their bases. What are they getting in return?
I am tired of all these articles that don’t explain anything. What’s the point in reading if you’re not going to learn anything.
Do you realy think that,
MILITARY OPERATIONAL PLANING,
will be – “””EVEN ALLOWED”””- to be EXPLAINED in those Articles.
If you can not read and understand between the lines,
do you thing Armenias Asbarez,
will to the Benefit of Armenias Enemies who reads here,
should explain this to you ???.
God bevere !!!.
Arn.Sweden.
THANK GOD FOR THAT, I DONT KNOW WHAT WE WILL DO WITHOUT THE RUSSIAN HELP
WE HOPE RUSSIA WILL ARM ARMENIA LIKE THE USA DID TO ISRAEL, ………….
yes, totally agree.
dont forget that israel controls USA and RUSSIA…..they will not allow ARMENIA to armed as it should be.
I celebrate the rapprochement of our two nations, the two inseparable bastions of Western Civilization in the western Caucasus. I think the west has learned from grievous mistakes of the past of forcing Russia out of western Armenia whenever they had liberated it from the Turkish Empire. Russia’s and Armenia’s destinies are forever intertwined now that they are free from interference from Britain, Germany, France and the US. Russia is and shall remain our number one ally and savior. Right on Russian brothers, finally we stand together in defense of our cherished western civilization as our destininy calls us, we’re with you as one forever.
Russia is the best ally of Armenia. their national goals, interests, and destines are tied together.
I ignore these know nothings that have nothing but badmouthing the alliance.
Also don’t be surprised that some of these anti Russian “commentators” here is nothing but dirty turkish propaganda!
Now I can sleep better.
Lone live Russian-Armenian alliance – the last front against pan-Turkism, NATO expansionism, American imperialism and Islamic fundamentalism!
bravo.