Amendments to the agreement on the Russian military base in Armenia is evidence of a rising level of Armenian-Russian military and strategic cooperation, Aram Safaryan, Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia Party, Co-Chairman of the Armenian-Russian parliamentary commission Aram Safaryan told NEWS.am.

According to him, the amendments will raise Armenia’s security level and improve stability in the region.

As regards the point that the agreements will be in effect for 49 years and will be regularly prolonged for the following five years, Safaryan said that it is a step to long-term peace and security guarantees in the region. It is a final answer to the question: will Armenian-Russian military cooperation be in effect in case of aggression against Armenia?

As to whether long-term deployment of military bases in this constantly changing world is justified, Safaryan pointed out that the agreement does not prevent Armenia from implementing its foreign policy in other aspects, as Armenia stated its readiness to contribute to the development of dialogue in the South Caucasus. On the other hand, Armenia’s participation in joint projects under Armenia-NATO individual partnership plan (IPAP) is increasing year by year.

The agreement assigns Armenia a greater role in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and allows the country to enjoy full right to voice its opinion on regional problems.

NEWS.am reminds readers that, under a draft protocol, amendments are to be introduced to the agreement. According to the amendments, besides defending Russia’s interests, the Russian military base in Armenia will also ensure Armenia’s security jointly with the Armenian armed forces. With this end in view, Russia is to assist Armenia in getting modern arms and military equipment.