Russia’s Military Base in Gyumri Was Response to NATO: Smirnov

The Russia-Armenia contract on extending the term of Russia’s military base in Gyumri is Moscow’s response to Georgia, who receives military assistance from NATO member states, said Russian political analyst Vyacheslav Smirnov in an interview with Day.az.

“NATO continues to arm Georgia. And the signing of such a protocol is a certain type of response to Western powers and the opportunity to establish their own forces in the Caucasus. And if a certain tension appears in relations with Georgia, then the military base in Armenia will be positive in talks with NATO,” said the analyst. 

“It must be noted as well that other than extending the term, there’s been a change in the protocol. A point has been added, according to which the military bases in cooperation with Armenia’s armed forces will ensure the country’s security,” added Smirnov.