Over 60% of Armenians favor keeping Russian military base — poll

TASS

YEREVAN, September 25. /TASS/. A total of 64.4% of Armenians favor keeping Russia's 102nd military base in the country, according to a survey presented by Gallup International's Armenian office.

"Some 39.7% said Armenia needs the 102nd Russian military base to ensure the country's security. Another 24.7% believe the base should remain in Armenia, but the terms governing its presence should be revised. In other words, around 65% think it should stay," Aram Navasardyan, head of the Armenian office, said while presenting the results.

More than 28% of respondents said Russia should withdraw the base, while 6.8% were undecided, he added.

President Vladimir Putin earlier said Russia was willing to keep its military presence at the base in Gyumri for further work and cooperation if the Armenian people wanted it. If Yerevan saw no need for the contingent, he said, personnel could "leave as early as tomorrow." Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded that the country was ready to discuss options for the 102nd base to remain or withdraw, although it had not raised the issue.

Russia's 102nd military base has been stationed in Armenia under a 1995 interstate treaty. The facility has around 5,000 personnel. A 2010 amendment extended its term from 25 to 49 years, until 2044. The base has two garrisons, near Gyumri and Yerevan.

Fonte: TASS