Russian military base in Gyumri not to hamper process of Armenia’s integration into EuropeAugust 24, 2010 - 16:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Head of European Integration NGO Karen Bekaryan said that the extension of Russian military base deployment term in Armenia will not affect the republic’s relations with the US and EU. Armenia understands that the extension of Russian military base deployment term cannot be, to put it mildly, welcomed by the West, Bekaryan told a press conference in Yerevan. “But one should not forget that western countries are well aware of the fact that the Armenian-Turkish process was failed by Turkey, while such a small country as Armenia is rather vulnerable for Turkey,” said Bekaryan. He noted that the West has not managed to persuade Turkey to ratify the Armenian-Turkish Protocols, thus, Armenia is trying to find other ways for ensuring its security. “Due to this very fact, the extension of Russian military base deployment term in Armenia will not affect the process of Armenia’s integration into Europe, its bilateral relations with the EU and West. We should get rid of the stereotype that Armenia cannot be an EU member, being a CSTO member at the same time. Armenia’s membership in the EU will be advantageous also for Russia, for which Armenia will be a partner inside the organization,” concluded Karen Bekaryan. Top stories The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. Partner news | Freedom House: “Why are there no Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh?” Freedom House has published a report summary titled “Why are there no Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh?” Aliyev: Change in Armenia’s Constitution key for singing peace deal Ilham Aliyev has declared that most important condition for signing a peace agreement is for Armenia to change its Constitution. U.S. sees “extraordinary” opportunity for peace between Armenia, Azerbaijan U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes there is an “extraordinary” opportunity to reach a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Viva: Armenia's leading technology company introduces a new trademark The updated brand Viva reflects a qualitatively new level of digital services. |