YEREVAN. – Armenia has no nuclear weapons and few natural resources, but it has serious security problems due to the presence of such neighbors as Azerbaijan and Turkey. It would be not serious if Armenia was not a member of a particular military and political bloc, Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov said.

Armenia has been and remains on intersection of the interests of East and West, as evidenced by history during which  Armenian- Russian friendship and partnership was proved.

“Armenia has chosen CSTO. An alternative was NATO having Turkey as a member. During these years the Armenian-Russian strategic relations proved its viability in geopolitical terms.  In this sense, the choice is justified,” Sharmazanov said during a meeting with students on Thursday.

He recalled that no one but a strategic partner Russia, gave security guarantees in case of attack. This position was reiterated by the commander of the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri.

“Security is number one issue for our country. Without a security guarantee we can not talk about the development of the state in general, and democracy, economy in particular,” he added.

However, Deputy Speaker noted that accession to the Customs Union does not mean that Armenia is unwilling to develop  relationship with  EU.

“Our European counterparts are witnessing that we continue to implement reforms and are ready to continue to cooperate ."