Armenia has approved a protocol on amendments to the deal on
dislocation of the Russian military base in Armenia and land sites for
the base on Thursday, News Armenia reports.
Russia will return several military towns to Armenia, Defense Minister
Seyran Oganyan said in Vayotsdzor District.
Gyumri is located in northern Armenia. The 102nd Russian military base
has been operating as part of the united anti-missile system of the
CIS since 1995. The base is under the command of the North Caucasian
Military District of Russia.
Russia and Armenia signed a protocol on adjustments to the deal on the
Russian base. The old agreement of 1995 was in force for 25 years. It
was prolonged by 49 years (starting from 1995).
The Russian base has the S-300 anti-air complex and MiG-29 fighters.
About 5,000 people serve at the base.
The agreement will be prolonged once every five years. The deal may be
cancelled on condition that one of the sides informs the other 6
months prior to the expiration of a 5-year term.
The military base is also organizing joint training with Armenia.
Russia is to provide modern arms and equipment for Armenia, according
to the deal.
Use of Russian armed formations will be realized based on the consent
of both sides.
