The rise of price for the Russian gas imported to Armenia is the issue of presidential level. I would be wrong to comment on the problem from the viewpoint of rise in prices only, since this problem is not merely economic. There is a problem of trust and there are also things one should not speak publicly of,” Armenian Defense Minister, Co-Chair of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation Serge Sargsyan stated in an interview with Golos Armenii newspaper. In his words, it is premature to raise the issue of reconsideration of the military partnership with Russia.
When touching upon the expediency of Armenia’s passing under the aegis of NATO and withdrawal of the Russian military base in the light of the rise in prices for gas, Serge Sargsyan noted that “the mater concerns personal opinion of some political figures and does not reflect the position of the state.” “Armenia is bound with Russia with thousands of ties. Those who do not understand this can badly damage the relations built during centuries,” the Minister said. Our cooperation with the NATO has activated recently but I do not think the topic should be touched upon over the situation with the Russian gas,” he stressed. Confirming that the situation has caused a lot of questions, the Minister voiced opinion that “the answers to these questions will be given soon.”
