Yerevan ‘Would Not Object’ to Russian Military Base Withdrawal, Pashinyan Says – Asbarez.com
In a briefing in Yerevan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signaled that Armenia would not stand in the way if Moscow decides to pull the 102nd military base from Gyumri, noting that the arrangement is not treated as an essential cornerstone of the country’s security and that discussions could be held in the future.
He added that the topic had not come up during his recent talks with President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, while emphasizing that Armenia does not regard the base as indispensable. Armenian authorities would not object to a withdrawal, and they are open to continuing dialogue should Russia choose to keep the facility in place.
Putin’s comments to reporters framed the Gyumri matter against a broader push regarding Armenia’s potential European Union membership. He suggested Moscow’s position would shift if Yerevan moves toward the EU, highlighting how such a move might clash with Moscow’s regional alliances within the Eurasian bloc.
Meanwhile, Pashinyan has pushed back on calls for an immediate referendum on EU membership, saying there is no pressing need for a vote at this time and that Armenia will pursue its reform and alignment gradually rather than through a plebiscite.
Looking ahead, the prime minister announced plans to travel to Moscow in the near term to continue discussions following the Bishkek meeting, as Yerevan weighs its options in the evolving regional security landscape.
