3 minute read
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to withdraw its military base from Gyumri “even tomorrow” if Armenia decides it no longer needs it, while saying Moscow would stay if the Armenian people want its military presence.
Putin made the remarks at a press conference in Bishkek following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, on the sidelines of which he met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The two discussed, among other issues, Armenia’s EU aspirations, which Moscow says are incompatible with its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.
“If Armenia believes that the Russian military base is not needed in Armenia, we will leave even tomorrow. But is Armenia ready for that? Please, we will not impose anything on anyone. And if the Armenian people want some Russian military presence alongside them, then we will stay, work and cooperate,” Putin said.
The Russian president said he had invited Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Moscow to discuss Armenian-Russian relations in a calm setting and with the participation of experts.
“I invited him to Moscow so that we can sit down with him and our experts, without rushing, and go through every point. There are also specific issues, such as the railway,” Putin said, adding that the sides had agreed to conduct their dialogue in a calm manner.
Regarding Armenia’s aspirations to join the European Union, Putin stressed that this is the country’s sovereign choice. However, Putin reiterated that Armenia cannot simultaneously be a member of the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.
“If you have decided to move toward the EU, that is the sovereign decision of any country. We are connected with the Armenian people by historic ties of friendship and even more than friendship. We have very deep roots in our relations with Armenians and the Armenian people in general. But being in two organizations at the same time is simply impossible. Phytosanitary norms, technical standards and many other things are incompatible today,” the Russian president said.
Russia’s 102nd Military Base is located in Gyumri, Armenia.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced plans to visit Moscow after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit.