Political figures Azat Arshakyan and Gurgen Yeghiazaryan welcome the fact that the Russian military base in Armenia’s Gyumri has been supplied with new military equipment.
Mr Arshakyan hopes that the Russia army will leave the military equipment to the Armenian army.
“I do not think Russia could start war against NATO. Some people think of janissaries and their yataghans when they mention turkey, but Turkey is a NATO member now,” he said.
Moreover, Russian-Turkish relations have a history of competing for influence not only over the Caucasus and the region. There is also an element of pan-Turkism.
“Being an Armenian is risky in any country of the world. And even in Armenia it is not secure. If an uncontrollable situation develops, there are threats as we need professional authorities capable of governing the country in the case of serious changes,” Mr Arshakyan said.
Mr Yeghiazaryan welcomes the new equipment at the Russian military base as well.
“Our so-called neighbor is like a viper. But a viper at least warns you of its attack, whereas our neighbor does not,” Mr Yeghiazaryan said.
Speaking of how turkey is treating its neighbors, he said:
“It invaded Iraq’s territory and will not leave it. The US and NATO are allegedly urging it to leave, but it will not. But it is part of big political bluff. They occupied half of Cyprus in broad daylight, invaded Kosovo, exploded missiles, which caused numerous victims. But the West is applying double standards, charging Russia with occupying the Crimea. The countries in question did not see any referendums, whereas a referendum took place in the Crimea. But Armenia is a small country, and they can do whatever they want,” Mr Yeghiazaryan said.
He points out high importance of military equipment.
“Moreover, Turkey is seeking to poke its nose into the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process to dominate the South Caucasus, which will never happen. And it is great that the Russian military base in Gyumri is being supplied with military equipment.”