Georgia says Russian military bases threat to regional states
YEREVAN – Russian military bases in Armenia pose a threat to Georgia, Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze has said in a meeting with his Armenian counterpart in Yerevan.
Vashadze told a joint news conference that Armenia is considered a sovereign country and "is entitled to choosing a more suitable security system" in dealing with national security.
He said Georgia had no intent to interfere with the matter, but clearly indicated that the Russian bases in Armenia pose a threat to the neighboring South Caucasus republic’s security. Vashadze said such bases were a threat not only to Georgia, but also to Azerbaijan and Armenia itself.
Moscow was previously set to vacate the Gyumri base in Armenia in 2020. However, an agreement signed in August updates the 1995 treaty, extending Russia’s military presence by 24 years until 2044, and also commits Russia to updating Armenia's military hardware and ensuring its security.
During the talks in Yerevan, Vashadze also voiced support for Azerbaijan. He said relations with Baku are even of greater importance than a strategic partnership.
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