MOSCOW-BACKED BLOC PRESSING AHEAD WITH JOINT MISSILE SHIELD PLAN
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18-02-2009 20:44:44
The plan on a joint air defense system was presented as representatives
of the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO), a Russia-led ex-Soviet military bloc, gathered in Yerevan
on Tuesday.
Although the plan announced by the CSTO, the military arm of the
USSR`s successor CIS, is called a common regional air defense system,
it envisions cooperation only between Russia and Armenia, which
represents Moscow`s forepost in the South Caucasus region.
Russia has already reached an agreement on a joint missile defense
system with Belarus. After Moscow signs a similar document with
Yerevan, Russia, Armenia and Belarus will be able to use each other`s
air defense systems if necessary. It is fair to conclude that Russia`s
step primarily aims to undercut the influence of Western-leaning
Georgia and NATO on the South Caucasus region. Moreover, Russia plans
to set up such systems not only in the South Caucasus but also in
Central Asia and Eastern Europe, in an apparent move to counter the
United States` plans to station missile defense elements in Eastern
Europe.
Armenia`s being part of a collective missile shield poses a threat
to Azerbaijan`s interests. The fact that the arch-foe neighbor,
which occupies 20% of Azerbaijani territories, is gaining the right
to capitalize on the potential of such a military power as Russia
jeopardizes stability in the already volatile region.
Armenia, whose political will and economy is crumbling, does not appear
perturbed by surrendering its air defense system to the Kremlin. The
country`s foreign minister, Eduard Nalbandian, has openly admitted
that the South Caucasus republic is not capable of defending its air
space on its own.
"Azerbaijan is increasing its military potential by the day. They
[Azerbaijani officials] frequently state that they will return Upper
(Nagorno) Garabagh, even by means of force. From this standpoint,
creating joint missile defense systems with Russia is acceptable for
Armenia," Nalbandian told the press in Yerevan.