SERGEY IVANOV: ARMENIA IS THE STRATEGIC PARTNER OF RUSSIA

ArmRadio.am
11.04.2007 17:52

"Armenia is the strategic partner of Russia," the First Deputy Prime
Minister of Russia Sergey Ivanov said at a joint press conference with
RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan. Mr. Ivanov said this in response
to the question whether Armenia is the strategic partner of Russia
or its outpost.

According to Sergey Ivanov, the cooperation between Russia and Armenia
is not restricted to the military sphere, but includes also cultural,
economic and other spheres. "The Russian military base is deployed
here. It defends the rights of both Armenia and Russia. The action plan
of the base does not have any aggressive nature against any country. It
ensures the common security of our countries, since we are members
of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)," Ivanov said.

About his objection to the creation of the NATO military base
in the South Caucasus, RA Prime Minister noted that creation of
additional divisive lines will not supplement anything to our security
structure. "It is known that Russia is reducing its presence in our
region. Others must not expand their presence parallel to that,"
he said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress