Pashinyan explained the position of Armenia about the Russian military base in Gyumri

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the country’s authorities never raised the issue of withdrawing the Russian military base in Gyumri. According to him, this possibility was initially allowed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Armenia believes that the base is not of “vital importance” for the republic.

Nikol Pashinyan during the government hour in Parliament said that since coming to power in 2018, in any of the contacts with Russia did not talk about the withdrawal of the Russian military base. However, in September this year, returning from the SCO summit, he drew attention to Vladimir Putin’s statement on this topic.

“Then at the briefing, journalists ask and I say that Armenia has never raised the issue of withdrawing the base, but if Russia decides to withdraw, Armenia will not object,” he said. If Russia wants to maintain the base, we are ready to discuss it. Here is the whole story and statements, he concluded.

At a press conference after a meeting with Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek, Vladimir Putin commented on the issue: “If Armenia believes that the Russian base of Armenia is not needed, military, we will leave at least tomorrow.” But is Armenia ready for this? Please. We will not impose anything on anyone.” The next day, Nikol Pashinyan told reporters that Armenia would accept Russia’s decision, but in any case, Russian-Armenian relations need “inventory”. The parties plan to discuss these issues during the visit of the Armenian Prime Minister to Moscow in the near future.

Lucine Balasian