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WHO WILL PROVIDE MODERN WEAPONS TO ARMENIA?
Hakob Badalyan, Political Commentator
Comments - 25 March 2015, 12:30
Serzh Sargsyan's state visit to China is of particular interest
provided the situation in the process of settlement of the conflict
in Artsakh. The point is that in this process one of the key, baseline
circumstances is the significant violation of military balance between
the conflict sides. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
published that over the past four years Azerbaijan's purchase of
weapons has increased by 243% against 4% in Armenia.
Allegedly, balance in Armenia is defended by Russian weapons which
is, however, in the Russian military base. In fact, the weapons are
physically in Armenia and will shoot only when Russia wants them to.
Russia is not interested in having Armenia and Azerbaijan on the
same line in terms of armament. The point is that in case of real
balance between Armenia and Azerbaijan Russia's influence on Armenia
will decrease.
At this point the myth that Armenia arms Armenia at lower prices
is busted. In addition, Armenia provides to Russia at lower prices
neither new nor modern weapons; in that case Armenia is required to
pay the market price, which Armenia cannot afford.
Hence, purchase of new armament is urgent for Armenia, which will
help restore balance in the region and restrain Azerbaijan. In this
respect, China can be one of Armenia's key partners.
Armenia and China have close cooperation in the sphere of defense
lasting for over a decade. However, in terms of supply of weapons there
is no process between the two countries. The reason is not known. It
is not ruled out that the reason is Russian bans or hindrances. There
may be other reasons too. For example, Beijing also has relations
with Baku, and it is not ruled out that Azerbaijan has urged China to
refuse to supply arms to Armenia. There may be other factors as well.
Will the issue of resuming supply of arms to Armenia be on the agenda
of Serzh Sargsyan's visit, at preferential prices, of course. China
is the third in the world by the rate of export of weapons after
the United States and Russia though Chinese export on the market
comprises 5%.
A few weeks ago Beijing signed a big deal with Turkey. This country is
building a new air defense system with Chinese armament and equipment.
Hence, Beijing has got the "moral right" to supply Armenia.
At the same time, interestingly, on the eve of his visit to China Serzh
Sargsyan hosted CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha. Have they
discussed the issue of China-Armenia military technical cooperation? Or
has Serzh Sargsyan reminded Russia with tough wording on March 18 to
"close" this issue once and for all, thus preparing the ground for
negotiations with China?
Or maybe not only China but also other possible partners which
may agree to help Armenia restore the real balance of weapons at
more reasonable conditions, maybe even free of charge (years ago
Armenia received modern anti-tank systems MILAN produced by France
and Germany). In addition, more importantly, restore the balance with
modern armament. It will eventually indicate restoration of regional
security and stability.
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/33831
Hakob Badalyan, Political Commentator
Comments - 25 March 2015, 12:30
Serzh Sargsyan's state visit to China is of particular interest
provided the situation in the process of settlement of the conflict
in Artsakh. The point is that in this process one of the key, baseline
circumstances is the significant violation of military balance between
the conflict sides. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
published that over the past four years Azerbaijan's purchase of
weapons has increased by 243% against 4% in Armenia.
Allegedly, balance in Armenia is defended by Russian weapons which
is, however, in the Russian military base. In fact, the weapons are
physically in Armenia and will shoot only when Russia wants them to.
Russia is not interested in having Armenia and Azerbaijan on the
same line in terms of armament. The point is that in case of real
balance between Armenia and Azerbaijan Russia's influence on Armenia
will decrease.
At this point the myth that Armenia arms Armenia at lower prices
is busted. In addition, Armenia provides to Russia at lower prices
neither new nor modern weapons; in that case Armenia is required to
pay the market price, which Armenia cannot afford.
Hence, purchase of new armament is urgent for Armenia, which will
help restore balance in the region and restrain Azerbaijan. In this
respect, China can be one of Armenia's key partners.
Armenia and China have close cooperation in the sphere of defense
lasting for over a decade. However, in terms of supply of weapons there
is no process between the two countries. The reason is not known. It
is not ruled out that the reason is Russian bans or hindrances. There
may be other reasons too. For example, Beijing also has relations
with Baku, and it is not ruled out that Azerbaijan has urged China to
refuse to supply arms to Armenia. There may be other factors as well.
Will the issue of resuming supply of arms to Armenia be on the agenda
of Serzh Sargsyan's visit, at preferential prices, of course. China
is the third in the world by the rate of export of weapons after
the United States and Russia though Chinese export on the market
comprises 5%.
A few weeks ago Beijing signed a big deal with Turkey. This country is
building a new air defense system with Chinese armament and equipment.
Hence, Beijing has got the "moral right" to supply Armenia.
At the same time, interestingly, on the eve of his visit to China Serzh
Sargsyan hosted CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha. Have they
discussed the issue of China-Armenia military technical cooperation? Or
has Serzh Sargsyan reminded Russia with tough wording on March 18 to
"close" this issue once and for all, thus preparing the ground for
negotiations with China?
Or maybe not only China but also other possible partners which
may agree to help Armenia restore the real balance of weapons at
more reasonable conditions, maybe even free of charge (years ago
Armenia received modern anti-tank systems MILAN produced by France
and Germany). In addition, more importantly, restore the balance with
modern armament. It will eventually indicate restoration of regional
security and stability.
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/33831