The Georgian foreign office is preparing an official statement on the information reported by Azeri mass media, according to which Georgian FM Grigol Vashadze regards as inadvisable longer-term Russian military presence in Armenia, the Georgian foreign office informed NEWS.am.

“The statement is not yet ready, but it will certainly be made. W are well aware the information evoked public response and we think the Georgian foreign office will issue a relevant statement by the end of the day,” the source said.

According to Azeri mass media, the Georgian FM stated that longer-term presence of Russian military bases in the South Caucasus poses a threat to Georgia, Azerbaijan, as well as top Armenia’s sovereignty. “This military base does not guarantee stability, security and cooperation to anybody. This base does not create favorable conditions for resolving the South Caucasus’ problems in a peaceful and civilized way,” the Georgian FM said.

The RA foreign office responded to this information. Tigran Balayan, Spokesman of the RA foreign office, said that the Armenian leaders have repeatedly stated Armenia’s official position on the Russian military base’s presence in Armenia, Balayan said. “We consider the Azeri mass media’s information is, by tradition, partially distorted. In any case, no official representing any state has the right to interfere in our domestic affairs or make comments on issues of our security. Today the Armenian and Georgian Foreign Minister are holding a telephone conversation,” Balayan said.