The Defense Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Davit Tonoyan, was asked whether the new authorities of Armenia had felt any pressure on them by Russia as if they would interrupt or freeze the loan agreement on weapons supply to Armenia. He replied: “There is no such thing, cooperation and partnership environment is in place, which has not changed, it has not changed for already dozens of years,” answered the Minister.
Asked if the Russian side had raised Khachaturov’s issue, implying that the criminal prosecution against him had an influence on CSTO reputation anyway, and they called on the Armenian authorities to stop such things, Davit Tonoyan replied: “No such thing has happened to the Ministry of Defence.”
Mr Tonoyan was also asked if Armenia had any candidate for replacing Khachaturov if the process was started already: “… The Republic of Armenia has a term of office and I think Armenia should continue its presidency, the office of the Secretary-General,” replied the Minister.
He also referred to the response of CSTO colleagues: “It is going to be a collegial decision.”
Ashot HAKOBYAN
