WILL ARMENIA DEMAND PAYMENT FOR RUSSIAN BASES?
Naira Hayrumyan
Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/engsrc/politics24602.html
Published: 15:13:19 - 16/12/2011
Former vice-minister of Defense Artur Aghabekyan thinks Armenia needs
to request annual payment for the deployment of the Russian bases
on its territory. He also said that only after an assessment of the
significance of the military bases for the security system of Russia
and for the security system of Armenia, it will be possible to speak
more concretely. Only then it will be clear how and whose security
benefits from the existence of Russian military bases in Armenia,
said Arthur Aghabekyan.
The question on the feasibility of the Russian bases in Armenia has
recently become a subject of discussion in the Armenian media. Not
only the benefits but also the threats of the Russian bases in Armenia
are discussed.
The question on the threats was confirmed after the Russian
"Nezavisimaya Gazeta" leaked about Russia's intentions in case Israel
attacks Iran. The main platform of Russia's actions was reported its
102 base which is situated in Armenia.
The paper wrote that families of the Russian military personnel have
already been taken away from Armenia. This means that it is dangerous
for the families to stay here. The base is situated not far from the
Armenian second largest city - Gyumri.
Understanding that Russia just sent a provocative message to the
neighbors of Iran, Armenia should works out a scheme of protection
from threats which the Russian bases present.
It is interesting that despite Baku's assurances that Azerbaijan will
not become a foothold for an attack to Iran by Israel, the world
press writes such ideas more often. The same Nezavisimaya Gazeta
seriously discussed a scenario in which Israel strikes against Iran
from Azerbaijan, Iran, in response, attacks Baku, the global turmoil
starts, and Azerbaijan tries to capture Karabakh. Russia, of course,
helps Armenians to defend it. At the same time introduces its troops
to Karabakh.
And if before all these scenarios had a purely theoretical view, then
they are gradually translated into concrete steps. For example, the
withdrawal of Russian families of the bases' employees from Armenia.
Or the fact that the Israeli delegation headed by Foreign Ministry
Secretary General Rafael Barak arrived in Baku and discussed "the
processes occurring in the Middle East and South Caucasus".
It is also noteworthy that the new Ambassador of Russia to Iran L.S.
Jagaryan handed his credentials to the President M. Ahmadinejad. No
accident Russia sent a diplomat with Armenian surname to Iran.
At the same time, Russia was unable to agree with Azerbaijan on the
Gabala Radar Station: Baku demands a huge payment for rent, Russia
disagrees. Apparently, as an "argument" Moscow decided to make
provocations, for now, through information.
Also interesting is the information that the U.S. intends to build
a military base in Azerbaijan and hold intensive negotiations with
the Azerbaijan authorities.
Naira Hayrumyan
Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/engsrc/politics24602.html
Published: 15:13:19 - 16/12/2011
Former vice-minister of Defense Artur Aghabekyan thinks Armenia needs
to request annual payment for the deployment of the Russian bases
on its territory. He also said that only after an assessment of the
significance of the military bases for the security system of Russia
and for the security system of Armenia, it will be possible to speak
more concretely. Only then it will be clear how and whose security
benefits from the existence of Russian military bases in Armenia,
said Arthur Aghabekyan.
The question on the feasibility of the Russian bases in Armenia has
recently become a subject of discussion in the Armenian media. Not
only the benefits but also the threats of the Russian bases in Armenia
are discussed.
The question on the threats was confirmed after the Russian
"Nezavisimaya Gazeta" leaked about Russia's intentions in case Israel
attacks Iran. The main platform of Russia's actions was reported its
102 base which is situated in Armenia.
The paper wrote that families of the Russian military personnel have
already been taken away from Armenia. This means that it is dangerous
for the families to stay here. The base is situated not far from the
Armenian second largest city - Gyumri.
Understanding that Russia just sent a provocative message to the
neighbors of Iran, Armenia should works out a scheme of protection
from threats which the Russian bases present.
It is interesting that despite Baku's assurances that Azerbaijan will
not become a foothold for an attack to Iran by Israel, the world
press writes such ideas more often. The same Nezavisimaya Gazeta
seriously discussed a scenario in which Israel strikes against Iran
from Azerbaijan, Iran, in response, attacks Baku, the global turmoil
starts, and Azerbaijan tries to capture Karabakh. Russia, of course,
helps Armenians to defend it. At the same time introduces its troops
to Karabakh.
And if before all these scenarios had a purely theoretical view, then
they are gradually translated into concrete steps. For example, the
withdrawal of Russian families of the bases' employees from Armenia.
Or the fact that the Israeli delegation headed by Foreign Ministry
Secretary General Rafael Barak arrived in Baku and discussed "the
processes occurring in the Middle East and South Caucasus".
It is also noteworthy that the new Ambassador of Russia to Iran L.S.
Jagaryan handed his credentials to the President M. Ahmadinejad. No
accident Russia sent a diplomat with Armenian surname to Iran.
At the same time, Russia was unable to agree with Azerbaijan on the
Gabala Radar Station: Baku demands a huge payment for rent, Russia
disagrees. Apparently, as an "argument" Moscow decided to make
provocations, for now, through information.
Also interesting is the information that the U.S. intends to build
a military base in Azerbaijan and hold intensive negotiations with
the Azerbaijan authorities.