It is as simple as that: Galust Sahakyan's views on new Armenian-Russian defense pact

It has always been a concern that a second country deploys a military base in another one, Republican Party of Armenia MP Galust Sahakyan said at a press conference today as he spoke about the recent defense pact signed between Armenia and Russia prolonging the duration of the contract that regulates the presence of the Russian military base in Gyumri up to 49 years.

“It has always been a concern that the military bases of a second country are being deployed in any country. This isn’t a good thing,” said he.

According to him the world has created a model that is able to keep balance in the world. For our reality, in his words, there is nothing to discuss as that agreement has a regional value.

“For centuries, as well as today, Russia and Turkey have been competing for gaining influence in the South Caucasus; it is as simple as that. It is Russia not Turkey that is preferable for us,” said Mr Sahakyan.

Further he said that the amendments to be made to the previous military agreement are beneficial not only for Russia but for Armenia too, as with Russia’s help all the economic programs stipulated in other agreements signed in the framework of Dmitry Medvedev’s visit will be possible to fully implement.

“It is difficult to say why exactly 49 years but I can forebode that those economic programs will be brought to life in about 10 years. Some 10-15 more years’ time they will be implemented already as business programs. I think the 49-year period is related to economic guarantees,” said he.