Armenia Unable to Unilaterally Renounce Russian Base by 2044: Izvestia

Armenia will not be able to unilaterally renounce the 102nd Russian military base located in Gyumri until 2044, as determined by Izvestia after examining the 1995 treaty on the Russian military base between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia.

On October 25, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that, when asked whether the Russian military presence in Armenia is a benefit or a hindrance, the advantages are not visible at the moment. He emphasized that currently, the issue of the withdrawal of the Russian military base from Armenia is not being discussed.

According to Izvestia, Article 27 of the relevant document states, "If one of the parties declares its intention to terminate this agreement, the issues related to the dissolution of the Russian military base shall be resolved by a joint commission. The dissolution of the Russian military base must be completed within a timeframe agreed upon by the parties." In 2010, an agreement signed by the Presidents of Russia and Armenia, Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan, extended the base's stay in Armenian territory until 2044.

This information was confirmed to Izvestia by Yuri Shvytkin, Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee of the State Duma. He stated, "According to the treaty between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia, after the expiration of the treaty, it automatically extends for the next five years unless one party notifies the other in writing of its intention to terminate the treaty at least six months before its expiration. The provisions of this agreement can be revised at the initiative of one of the parties and by mutual consent."