Military Base After Gabbala
Naira Hayrumyan
14:27 12/12/2012
Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index.php/eng/0/comments/view/28392
Azerbaijan's refusal to extend the lease of Gabbala radio location
station to Russia comes as evidence to reduced presence of Russia in
the South Caucasus. As soon as the Russian military base was withdrawn
from Akhalkalaki, it was obvious that Russia's presence in Azerbaijan
and Armenia would decrease.
Azerbaijan did not boost the rent for Gabbala from 7 to 300 million
dollars for money. It was a blunt refusal to Russia. It was clear from
the very beginning that Moscow will not pay so much money for Gabbala
and the purpose was to withdraw Russian forces from Azerbaijan.
Armenia stands in line. And though experts say that Russia may locate
its radio stations in Armenia, the next option has more probability -
Armenia will state more loudly about the necessity to cut the military
presence of Russia.
First of all, it may be a review of the agreement on the dislocation
of Russian border guards at the Armenian border with Turkey and Iran.
Armenia may refuse border guard services by Russia, as well as demand
a rent for the Russian base in Gyumri.
After the closure of Gabbala the Russians have military presence only
in the South Caucasus. On the one hand, this will boost Armenia's
role, and Armenia can demand a rent for the base. On the other hand,
the West's requirements to Armenia will increase. After Azerbaijan the
West will sway Armenia to cut the Russian military presence.
Naira Hayrumyan
14:27 12/12/2012
Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index.php/eng/0/comments/view/28392
Azerbaijan's refusal to extend the lease of Gabbala radio location
station to Russia comes as evidence to reduced presence of Russia in
the South Caucasus. As soon as the Russian military base was withdrawn
from Akhalkalaki, it was obvious that Russia's presence in Azerbaijan
and Armenia would decrease.
Azerbaijan did not boost the rent for Gabbala from 7 to 300 million
dollars for money. It was a blunt refusal to Russia. It was clear from
the very beginning that Moscow will not pay so much money for Gabbala
and the purpose was to withdraw Russian forces from Azerbaijan.
Armenia stands in line. And though experts say that Russia may locate
its radio stations in Armenia, the next option has more probability -
Armenia will state more loudly about the necessity to cut the military
presence of Russia.
First of all, it may be a review of the agreement on the dislocation
of Russian border guards at the Armenian border with Turkey and Iran.
Armenia may refuse border guard services by Russia, as well as demand
a rent for the Russian base in Gyumri.
After the closure of Gabbala the Russians have military presence only
in the South Caucasus. On the one hand, this will boost Armenia's
role, and Armenia can demand a rent for the base. On the other hand,
the West's requirements to Armenia will increase. After Azerbaijan the
West will sway Armenia to cut the Russian military presence.