Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan answered questions from journalists following a Cabinet meeting. Prime Minister Pashinyan said, "We do not need the Russian military base. If they want to withdraw the base, they can do so tomorrow. If they want to stay, we are ready to discuss the terms of hosting a base that we do not need in Armenia. What is unclear about this position?" Pashinyan added, "We have never put the issue of the Russian military base operating in Armenia on our agenda."
Now Russia has brought this to the agenda, and we are taking a position on this discussion. If they want to withdraw it, let them withdraw it," he said. Pointing to the operation that resulted in Azerbaijan establishing full sovereignty in Karabakh, Pashinyan stated, "The events of September 2022 showed that the 102nd Military Base is not of vital importance for Armenia's security. None of our officials have brought such a topic to the agenda or asked such a question to any Russian official.
If they decide to withdraw the base, we will not object. The 102nd Military Base makes no contribution to Armenia's security. If they do not want to withdraw it, we are ready to discuss this issue as well." Pashinyan reiterated that Armenia pursues a balanced foreign policy and a policy of maintaining balance. Pashinyan said, "There is no need to threaten us with withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). If they want to withdraw us, let them withdraw us. If they do not want to withdraw us, let them not." he said.
Putin's statement
Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a press conference held at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on September 2 that if Armenia believes it does not need the Russian military base, Russia is ready to withdraw the base "even tomorrow." Putin also stated that if the Armenian side wishes to maintain the Russian military presence, Moscow is ready to continue cooperation. On September 3, Nikol Pashinyan responded to this statement, saying, "We do not see the presence of the 102nd military base in Armenia as a vital necessity. If Russia decides to withdraw the military base from Armenia, we will not object, but if they express a desire to stay here, we will discuss it. However, we have not brought this issue to the agenda at all during this time."
News Source: 12punto
