Russian Base: Yerevan and Moscow Discussed Financial Matters

PanARMENIAN.Net - The fifth session of the interstate commission for passage of land lots and real estate for stationing the Russian military base being in Armenia has finished in Yerevan. The parties signed a Protocol on Changes in Agreement on order of calculation and paying off the expenses by the Armenian MOD, Protocol of the Working Group on elaboration of the order of calculation of expenses due to the presence of the Russian base in Armenia. Answering a question whether those protocols can be viewed within the context that Russia does not cede its positions in the region, specifically staking on Armenia, the Co-Chair of the Russian Commission, Russian Embassy Advisor Envoy to Armenia Igor Gromyko stated, "Russia does not stake on anything, stakes are made in a casino. Russia and Armenia have historical friendly relations."



Answering the possible increase of rent payment by the Armenian party, Armenian Commission Co-Chair, Armenian Armed Forces General Staff head Mikayel Harutyunyan said, "We will be guided by the agreement between the two countries." In his turn, I. Gromyko remarked, "as long as both Armenia and Russia show interest towards that base, it will be stationed here." Touching upon financial expenses of the Armenian party, M. Harutyunyan remarked the financing is enough to meet public utilities. "This is all done for a certain purpose. Armenia provides the sum, Russia - something else," he remarked. On the whole the parties assessed the fifth session of the interstate commission as constructive and there were no considerable differences. According to Mr. Gromyko, the session is in harmony with the final events of the Year of Russia in Armenia, reported IA Regnum.