YEREVAN. – I find it normal that the Russian subdivision will also partake in the military parade on the occasion of Armenia’s 20th anniversary of independence, ruling Republican Party of Armenia’s Vice Chairman Razmik Zohrabyan said during a press conference on Tuesday.   

“This is a normal occurrence. You know there is a Russian military base in Armenia, we have a contract where it is agreed upon on every item that they will protect Armenia’s borders. I see nothing unusual that a small Russian subdivision take part in the procession. After all, they are responsible for our security. We are showing to the public and the world the arsenal, weapons, and troops that safeguard our security, and the Russian military base is a part of that,” Zohrabyan noted.   

And in response to a news reporter’s question as to whether a Russian military unit’s participation in the celebration of Armenia’s statehood is degrading, Razmik Zohrabyan said: “If the entire Russian troops came [that would have been different], but there is no such thing. And even if it were the case, at least thank God there are no Turkish troops. Nothing wrong with the Russian [troops], they are sill our defenders.”

There is wave of discontentment in the Armenian press over the Russian subdivision’s participation in the upcoming military parade on 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.