Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug. 20 / Trend S.Agayeva /
Baku hopes that Moscow will fulfill its commitments on non-usage of resources and the arms of the Russian 102nd military base accommodated in Armenia against Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Spokesman Elkhan Polukhov told Trend on Friday.
Russia and Armenia signed a protocol amending the bilateral agreement on the Russian military base in Gyumri dated 1995, concerning the extension of the document term, RIA Novosti reported. The document was undersigned by the Armenian and Russian Defense Ministers. The validity of the 1995 contract was 25 years and the document will now operate 49 years (since 1995).. The signing ceremony was held after the talks of Russian and Armenian Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan. Medvedev is on a state visit to Armenia.
"During the withdrawal of the Russian military bases in Akhalkalaki and Batumi (Georgia), Russia has committed itself to that the weapons transferred to the 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri, will not be used against Azerbaijan under any circumstances. We hope that the Russian side will continue to adhere to its commitments on non-usage of resources and the arms of the Gyumri base against Azerbaijan," Polukhov said.
The Russian 102nd military base has been accommodated in the north of Armenia, Gyumri since 1995. The military base follows combat duty in the framework of the CIS United Air Defense System. The base is under the management of the Russian Troops in Transcaucasia, North-Caucasian military district of Russia.
The base is equipped with anti-aircraft missile system S-300 and MiG-29. The force strength of the base is about 5,000 people.
In accordance with the amendments, the term of the contract will be automatically renewed for the next five years unless neither party notifies the other party of its intention to terminate it in writing form not less than six months prior to the expiration of the term of the contract.
In addition to protect the interests of Russia, the Russian military base jointly with the Armenian Armed Forces secures Armenia during its stay in this country. The Russian side undertakes to supply the Armenian side modern and compatible armament, military (special) technique in accordance with the document.
In addition, the use of military forces of the Russian military base will be based on mutual agreements of the parties.