YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Russian Minister of Defense Sergay Ivanov arrived in Armenia on an official visit September 13. During a news briefing at the Zvartnots airport–Ivanoc expressed confidence that the negotiations with Armenian Minister of Defense Serge Sargssian will allow Russia and Armenia to promote military cooperation. The Russian defense minister stressed that the bilateral military ties–especially during the last two years–are developing dynamically. "The prospects of cooperation are aimed to ensure confidence in our countries’ peoples that they are safe," Ivanov said.
He stated that the two agreemen’s that will be signed in Yerevan promote the enhancement of the defense potential of Armenia and Russia. According to the minister–agreemen’s on the status of military advisors and specialists in Armenia as well as on mutual handover of immovable property bearing relation to the functioning of the 102nd Russian military base in Armenia–which will be visited by the Russian defense minister during his visit–will be signed as well.
When asked how or who could endanger Russia’s security–the Russian defense minister stated–"Neither I nor anyone in the world can call the point from which Russia’s security may be endangered." According to him–many people pose a threat–but the source of the danger is known to all–it is the international terrorism.
Ivanov stated that it has been two years since Russia has been trying to explain to the world that it is not fighting the Chechen people–but fighting international terrorism–including the people who came to Chechnya from abroad who finance and arm the gangster formations. According to the minister–even ordinary people now understand that "Chechnya–the Balkans and so on–are all connected."