Russia needs secure land transit to ArmeniaAugust 1, 2008 - 16:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia doesn't need a span of former Georgian SSR, because it's strategically useless, says an article titled "Western Transcaucasia: goals and ways to achieve them".However, according to the author, Russia can't put up with transformation of its neighbors' territory into a multipurpose anti-Russian platform. "It includes bases of separatists, laboratory of velvet resolutions, GUAM and home for NATO forces. Georgia has even left behind the Baltic States known for their Russophobia," he says. "Russia needs a secure, cheap and quality rest for its citizens in local resorts and delivery of agricultural production in compliance with Russian standards. It needs a land transit to Armenia, its only ally in the Transcaucasia, surrounded by hostile Azerbaijan, neutral Iran, NATO Turkey and NATO-aspired Georgia. Some U.S. officials offer to resolve the Karabakh problem though exchange of territories between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the latter being isolated from Iran. An air-bridge a-la Berlin is impossible, since Russia's transport aviation is weak. We should never forget about the 102nd base located in Armenia, which was reproached for 'not sufficient pro-Russian position'. However, living in permanent threat of blockade, our ally is holding on! No one knows how patient it can be. Furthermore, in case of U.S. aggression against Iran the issue of Iranian Azerbaijan will emerge and Armenia will one day face a united 20-million Azerbaijan," says the article published by Military-Industrial Courier (Voyenno-Promyshlenniy Kuryer). Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |