Discussing the Russian military presence in Armenia is inappropriate and harmful. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated in an interview to RIA Novosti.

Speaking about the subject of the Russian military base in Armenia, he reminded that “the agreement on its deployment was signed on 16 March, 1995, based on the national interests of both states.”

“According to Article 26 of that document, the term of stay of our servicemen is 49 years, after the end of that term, the agreement is automatically extended for a period of 5 years,” the diplomat noted.

According to Galuzin, “the soldiers and officers of the Russian Federation continue to effectively ensure not only the peace and security of Armenia, but also stability in the entire South Caucasus.”