Visiting US senator opposed to re-deployment of Russian troops in Armenia

Trend news agency
1 Jun 05

Baku, 1 June: The visiting US senator, Chuck Hagel, welcomes the news
that Russia has decided to withdraw its military bases from Georgia.

“But if the arms are moved from Georgia to Armenia, this will cause
a serious concern. Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia are independent
countries. There should be no foreign bases in any independent country
because it creates tension in the region,” he said.

Touching on the Karabakh settlement, the senator said the USA
supports a negotiated settlement. He welcomed the dialogue between
the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents held on the sidelines of the
Council of Europe summit on 15 May.

“A dialogue is important to reach a consensus,” Hagel said.