ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER - "WE'D AGREE TO A GABALA-TYPE RADAR STATION"
hetq
16:40, April 4, 2012
In an interview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant, RA Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan noted that international sanctions on
neighboring Iran hinder the development of economic relations with
Armenia.
"Iran is one of the two neighbors we have relations with.
International sanctions against Iran prevent the development of its
economic relations with Armenia. They restrict the opportunities
of diversification of our economy, raise the geopolitical risks for
Armenia, and cause harm to the investment attractiveness," the Prime
Minister said.
PM Sargsyan said he does not share the opinion that the EU Eastern
Partnership seeks to decrease Russian influence on post-Soviet
territory.
"We cooperate with NATO and the European Union, but these processes
are not directed against a third country. Likewise, our strategic
relations with Russia are not directed against the EU. Armenia's
strategic partner Russia is aware of all cooperation programs Armenia
joins, be it EU, NATO, U.S., Iran, China or Georgia," he said.
When asked if Armenia would allow the construction of a similar station
on its territory if Russia and Azerbaijan fail to agree on the terms
of use of the Gabala Radar Station, PM Tigran Sargsyan said, "Why not?"
Sargsyan added that there are advantages to having such a station
in Armenia, given that it is a mountainous country and the station
could have a longer range.
hetq
16:40, April 4, 2012
In an interview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant, RA Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan noted that international sanctions on
neighboring Iran hinder the development of economic relations with
Armenia.
"Iran is one of the two neighbors we have relations with.
International sanctions against Iran prevent the development of its
economic relations with Armenia. They restrict the opportunities
of diversification of our economy, raise the geopolitical risks for
Armenia, and cause harm to the investment attractiveness," the Prime
Minister said.
PM Sargsyan said he does not share the opinion that the EU Eastern
Partnership seeks to decrease Russian influence on post-Soviet
territory.
"We cooperate with NATO and the European Union, but these processes
are not directed against a third country. Likewise, our strategic
relations with Russia are not directed against the EU. Armenia's
strategic partner Russia is aware of all cooperation programs Armenia
joins, be it EU, NATO, U.S., Iran, China or Georgia," he said.
When asked if Armenia would allow the construction of a similar station
on its territory if Russia and Azerbaijan fail to agree on the terms
of use of the Gabala Radar Station, PM Tigran Sargsyan said, "Why not?"
Sargsyan added that there are advantages to having such a station
in Armenia, given that it is a mountainous country and the station
could have a longer range.