Bases of Batumi and Akhalkalak are of no strategic importance

AZG Armenian Daily #093, 24/05/2005

Region

BASES OF BATUMI AND AKHALKALAK ARE OF NO STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

What’s the Meaning of Gyumri Base?

President Vladimir Putin of Russia stated yesterday that the military bases
of Georgia are not essential for Russia’s security. But, Putin says, it
would be desirable not to see bases of other states after the withdrawal of
Russian ones. According to Novosti agency, Putin said that those bases are
of no strategic importance for Russia and added, “This is not my opinion but
those from the Supreme Headquarters of Russian Armed Forces”.

Putin’s statement rises a question: if the bases of Georgia are not
important for Russia, then what’s the significance of Russian bases in
Armenia?

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS