ARMENIA ONLY STRATEGIC ALLY FOR RUSSIA IN SOUTH CAUCASUS

PanARMENIAN.Net
13.02.2008 15:16 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A significant breakthrough occurred in the
Russian-Armenian relations during past eight years, said Nikolay
Ryzhkov, member of the RF Federation Council, co-chair of the
Russian-Armenian commission for interparliamentary cooperation.

"Frequent presidential visits as well as conduction of the Year
of Russia in Armenia and the Year of Armenia in Russia helped the
relationship, he said.

"Russia and Armenia enjoy good political relations.

Undoubtedly, the atmosphere is created by our leaders.

There are possibilities to fortify our military base in Gyumri,
to develop economic and humanitarian contacts," Mr Ryzhkov said.

"At the moment we are all awaiting the February 19 presidential
election. The shift of power in our countries will take place almost
simultaneously and I am hopeful that the policy of past eight years
formed owing to activities of Presidents Kocharian and Putin will
undergo no changes," he went on.

"When I was Prime Minister I treated all of three South Caucasian
republics equally. Now, the situation is different. Armenia is Russia’s
only strategic ally in the South Caucasus. I am confident that the
RF leadership will not allow losing such a partner," Mr Ryzhkov said
in an interview with RIA Novosti.