Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 10 / Trend /
Russia has suspended the exploitation of the Gabala radar station, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said today.
According to the report, the Russian side has delivered a note to halt the exploitation of the radar station from December 10, this year in connection with the fact that "Agreement on status, exploitation principles and conditions of the Gabala radar station between the Azerbaijani and Russian Governments" expired on Dec. 9, 2012.
According to the ministry, the intensive negotiations on the Gabala radar station were conducted between the two countries.
During the negotiations the Azerbaijani side has expressed readiness to continue cooperating with Russia to extend the lease term of Gabala radar station. The sides failed to reach agreement on the rent of the station.
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 defence system. After Azerbaijan gained independence the radar station become the country's property and Russia continued to use it.
Previously, the defence ministry reported it was holding negotiations with Azerbaijan to extend the lease of the Gabala radar station until 2025.