Yerevan sees Russian bases as security “guarantee”

This is a story about Russian military bases in Armenia and Yerevan’s need to curry favor with Moscow. At its December 9th ministerial meeting, the Armenian government reviewed the matter of compensation to companies providing services and supplies to Russian aircraft that transport cargo to the units once the planes have landed.

To this end, it was envisaged to allocate 24.5 million AMD, taken out of the national reserve budget, to the company ArmAero CJSC. The Armenian government has been passing such acts for years on end. In 2008, for example, the government allocated 9.6 million AMD to the Ministry of Defense in the first quarter for such expense reimbursement. On another occasion, 33.6 million was apportioned, and in 2009, 40.1 million AMD was allocated from the national budget. According to the compensation guidelines adopted by the government in February, 2004, the head of the government allocates money from the national coffers for such reimbursement, if such expenditures have been planned for in advance. If not, the money is taken from the reserve fund on a quarterly basis. This process has been followed ever since the 1994 treaty between Armenia and Russia. According to the treaty, Armenia has been paying not only for the servicing of Russian military transport planes, but for all types of defense expenditures in general. This particular treaty was signed with a 25 year time limit. However, in the summer of 2010, the parties extended the treaty for another 24 years.   Moreover, this change only referred to the deadline of the stationing of Russian units. Armenia, in other words, will keep paying for the upkeep of these bases till 2044. This is an exceptional situation throughout the entire post-Soviet expanse. Other than Armenia, Moscow picks up the defense tab in all countries where Russian military bases are stationed. This is natural. And this is the way it’s done the world over, because stationing troop contingents in this or that country and maintaining them is, to begin with, in the interests of the nation doing so. Just a few days ago, in an interview given to the paper “Svobodnaya Presa” (Free Press), Deputy Director Alexandr Khramchikhin of Russia’s   Institute for Political and Military Analysis, stated the following: “The Armenians are strongly attached to our bases on their territory. They even pay all the expenses involved, which, in my estimation, is a singular occurrence the world over.” This opinion of Khramchikhin is nothing new. It lies at the basis of Russia’s policy towards its Armenian bases. When it comes to the issue of military bases in Armenia, Moscow is of the belief that the bases are of vital importance firstly to Armenia and since Yerevan has no alternative but to maintain them at all cost; even by paying for their upkeep and supplying them with manpower. One cannot fault Moscow for taking such an approach if Armenia bows its head and readily accepts the stipulated conditions. Furthermore, if Armenia regards the Russian bases as its national security guarantee, if not totally, then at least partially, then why shouldn’t Yerevan pay for their upkeep? In addition to the financial aspect, the matter is firstly a question of national and state pride, as well as a barometer of self—governance. After the removal of the Russian military base in neighboring Akhalkalak, the only remaining Russian military installation in all the South Caucasus is in Gyumri. When it comes to maintain the existence of this base, Russia perhaps has more at stake than Armenia. The base is located nose to nose on the border with NATO (as represented by Turkey) and it is close to both Iran and Georgia. The base offers Russia carte blanche to play a pivotal regional role and to be included in all regional initiatives. But it would appear that the authorities in Yerevan, having adopted the position they have, do not fathom the realities on the ground. This is either the consequence of a deeply rooted mentality or else simple powerlessness. Yerevan bows in submission to the directives coming from Moscow. In addition to picking up the costs of maintain the military bases, Armenia is also gradually assuming the function of manning the bases as well. But even this doesn’t satisfy Moscow. Armenia, by signing the protocol that extended the life of the Russian military presence in the country by 24 years, essentially also signed away, sacrificed, its self-governance. I argue this because Armenia signed a document, in black and white, stating that Russia was its security guarantor. Immediately afterwards, Dimitry Medvedev went to Baku and declared that the 24 year extension only applied to the military base. In other words, there was no mention, no inkling, regarding Russia assuming the role of Armenia’s security guarantor. I would also point out that this protocol has yet to be ratified by the parliament of either Russia or Armenia. Why the delay? Last month, this issue was discussed during high level meetings with Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of Russia’s State Duma Committee for CIS Affairs and Relations with Compatriots. But the issue remained unsettled even after these discussions. Zatulin stated in Yerevan that the protocol must be ratified by the two nations at the same time. It was never explained why. Naturally, had the Russian Duma hastened to ratify the agreement, the Armenian parliament would have long ago ratified as well. Given that it hasn’t been ratified, Russia is not responsible for Armenia’s security. The question arises, why did Armenia pull out all the stops to get itself under such a burden in the form of an official agreement. Even without the document, Armenia was making no demands. Perhaps we will have to wait and see at the border.