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Ariel Cohen: Abandoning of Gabala agreement by Russia opens new avenues for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Materials 11 December 2012 11:03 (UTC +04:00)
Abandoning of the agreement on lease of Gabala radar station by Russia opens new avenues for Azerbaijan’s politico-military ties, leading expert of the Heritage Foundation for Russian and Eurasian Studies and International Energy Policy and member of Trend Expert Council, Ariel Cohen believes.
Ariel Cohen: Abandoning of Gabala agreement by Russia opens new avenues for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec.11/ Trend, E.Tariverdiyeva /

Abandoning of the agreement on lease of Gabala radar station by Russia opens new avenues for Azerbaijan's politico-military ties, leading expert of the Heritage Foundation for Russian and Eurasian Studies and International Energy Policy and member of Trend Expert Council, Ariel Cohen believes.

"I am not surprised that Russia is abandoning the Gabala agreement," Cohen told Trend.

He said today Moscow has newer early warning systems technology which allows the Russian military to cover greater areas from the Russian territory for lesser expenses.

"The decision opens new avenues for Azerbaijan's politico-military ties," Cohen said.

The Russian side has delivered a note halting the exploitation of the radar station as of December 10, 2012 in connection with the expiration of the "Agreement on the status, exploitation principles and conditions of the Gabala radar station between the Azerbaijani and Russian Governments" on Dec. 9, 2012.

The Gabala radar station located in north-west Azerbaijan was built during the Soviet period as one of the most important elements of the USSR's missile defense system. After Azerbaijan gained independence, the radar station became the country's property and Russia continued to use it.

Previously, the defense ministry reported that it was holding negotiations with Azerbaijan to extend the lease of the Gabala radar station until 2025.

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