Moscowargues that its military base in Gyumri is the only guarantee of Armenia's sovereignty
YEREVAN, March 29. /ARKA/. The Russian military base deployed in Armenia’s second-largest city of Gyumri is the only real guarantee of the country’s sovereignty, the Russian Foreign Ministry told TASS, commenting on the report "Deepening EU-Armenia relations: more Europe in Armenia; more Armenia in Europe" prepared under the leadership of former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
"The security proposals defy common sense altogether. The presence of the 102nRussian military base and Russian border guards is the only real guarantee of Armenia's sovereignty. To suggest that their withdrawal will somehow strengthen the country’s military potential is dangerous demagoguery. Forcing to reconsider the existing security system, the West offers nothing concrete in return," the Russian ministry argued.
Rasmussen’s report says that Armenia is pivoting to the West. The European Union (EU) has an interest in supporting Armenia in this pivot. But for this to succeed, the EU and Armenia will have to make a substantial, long-term strategic commitment in terms of resources, security cooperation, trade relations, and political engagement. Now is the moment to take bold steps. In short, we need to see “More Europe in Armenia; more Armenia in Europe”
In parallel, the EU and Armenia should review and update the existing Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with a view to enhancing relations. An updated CEPA should be used to build up Armenian resilience and lessen its dependence on Russia, notably in the spheres of security, energy, and trade. The annexes should be upgraded and enhanced, including providing free trade in certain service sectors, such as IT
About the 102nd Russian military base
In 2010, the term of the base's stay, defined by a bilateral interstate treaty of 1995, was extended until 2044. -0-
