There was too strong a response in Armenia to the reports on Russia’s intention to sell two batteries of the S-300 air-defense systems to Azerbaijan, the political analyst Yervand Bozoyan told journalists on August 31. Such deals are not frequently effected worldwide. So it should not be called “Russia’s betrayal of Armenia,” he said.

“The U.S. sells arms to Israel. On the other hand, the Arab world, which has problems with Israel, purchases arms from the United States as well,” Bozoyan said.

In his turn, Alexander Markarov, Director, Armenian branch, Institute of CIS, spoke of the recently signed Armenian-Russian protocol amending the Armenian-Russian agreement on the Russian military base in Armenia. According to him, the new protocol should not be so heavily relied on. In fact, it only prolongs Russian military presence in Armenia for up to 49 years. “If you note, no one in Azerbaijan says: ‘turkey will come and help us,’ whereas everyone in Armenia keeps on thinking of Russia’s help in case of war,” Markarov said.

“Armenian society has developed a complex. We believe Russia must come and help us gain victory over Azerbaijan. However it is erroneous to think so,” Bozoyan said. He pointed out that the Armenian army is superior to the Azeri army in all respects, and no Russian help is needed.

 “Russia is guarding our border with Turkey, which is enough for us to settle our problems with Azerbaijan,” Bozoyan said.