Common air-defense system in Armenia’s interests - Karen Vrtanesyan

Russia’s initiative to create a common air-defense system in cooperation with Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan is a positive step, and Armenia will benefit from it, Karen Vrtanesyan, coordinator of the Razminfo website, told Tert.am.

“This is a step within the framework of the collective Security treaty organization and it is logical that the states forming one military alliance are seeking a common air-defense system,” he said.

It is an opportunity for Armenia to receive certain information and, to an extent, military means.

“Personnel retaining is most likely to be on the agenda, which is most beneficial to us as well,” Mr Vrtanesyan said.

As to whether a common air-defense system could, in necessary, support Armenia in its conflict with Azerbaijan, he said:

“First, we do not apply to the CSTO over border tensions, and the CSTO cannot on its own interfere in the problem. I do not even see any need for that because, if we apply to the CSTO, it means we are unable to deal with the problem by ourselves.”

The CSTO is supposed to make Turkey “tighten its belt”, act as a counterbalance to it and prevent a third force from redressing the balance of forces in the region.

“And we are in control of our conflict with Azerbaijan. If Azerbaijan were sure it would achieve any aims, it would have unleashed war long ago,” Mr Vrtanesyan said.