“I think that the fact that the Russian side accepted our proposal was very important, symbolic and also very telling, and that the two heads of state during the visit to Gyumri jointly visited the 102nd military base deployed in Gyumri. Of course, you know that pursuant to the protocol, with which the deployment of the base in Armenia was extended, removed the restriction that was mentioned in the previous agreement, which provided that the base can be used for available dangers only along the former outer borders of the Soviet Union. In other word, the mandate of the military base was expanded, and I think that in this context it is very important for us that the base be very topical and capable, and that the military servants there have high combat readiness,” said Vigen Sargsyan, RA President’s Chief of Staff, summing up Russian President’s visit, a day after the visit.
Though, since the existence of the agreement on deployment of Russia’s military bases in Armenia, the issue was explained and covered in detail, however, Aravot.am tried once again to clarify whether there are loopholes in the new phase of the Armenian-Russian military-technical cooperation, with which Russian troops obtain the opportunity to intervene in the internal affairs of Armenia. Tevan Poghosyan, a member of RA NA Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, with regard to this issue, in response to our question, said, “The matter is that if earlier the military base was used for the former Soviet Union, in other word, the Armenian-Turkish border, and also, to some extent, for Armenia -Iran border, now this notion is removed. This does not mean that the military base will be employed, if the risks exist, the military base would make its actions accordingly.” Our interlocutor draws attention to the fact that both Russia and Armenia are CSTO member states, and there is the notion of “CSTO states borders”. “For example, the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in Tavush marz: it is a CSTO border. Armenia-Nakhichevan border is also a CSTO border, and if there will be dangers there, not only Russian military base would be employed, but it is necessary to respond to these issues with CSTO joint efforts. It is clear that today we are probably talking about a little hypothetical scenario, but if CSTO intends to become a serious, it must develop its capacity, and approach the issues with conscience of the concept of the problem.” Our interlocutor considers the development of CSTO a daily issue for this very institution, and, in this context, he thinks that that these forces may protect not only the boundaries of the former Soviet Union, but, for example, other borders of Armenia, also within the frames of CSTO boundaries. The above formulations, as convinced by our interlocutor, are not associated with internal issues of Armenia. “The matter is about Armenia defense functions.”
As for interfering in the internal issues of Armenia, Tevan Poghosyan thinks that it depends on us, and has nothing to do with the existence of any military base in our outer borders. RA NA Vice-speaker Edward Sharmazanov does not also see such concerns. He considers all such opinions imaginary.
Nelly Grigoryan
