In case of any threats to the national security of Armenia, the issue of the use of the 102nd Russian military base in Armenia should be agreed with Armenia, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan told reporters following the Government's sitting on November 26, when commenting on the possible involvement of the Russian military base in the Russian-Turkish conflict.
He said that the goals and terms of deployment of the 102nd Russian military base in Armenia are clearly stipulated in the relevant interstate agreement. "The Russian military base in Gyumri in collaboration with the Armenian armed forces is to ensure the security of the Republic of Armenia," Kocharyan said. In this light, the deputy minister pointed out that in case of any threats to the national security of Armenia, the issue of the use of the 102nd Russian military base in Armenia should be agreed with Armenia.
To note, a Russian Su-24 aircraft was downed by a Turkish F-16 fighting falcon over the Syrian territory on November 24. The plane was attacked by an air-to- air missile.
According to the Defense Ministry, the plane was at the height of 6,000 meters when attacked. President Vladimir Putin called it a "stab in the back" by the supporters of terrorists.
Both pilots were able to parachute out of the plane before it crashed. One of them was killed while landing, the second was saved by the Syrian security forces, by unconfirmed data. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cancelled his visit to Turkey. Experts think that Moscow will suspend all the joint business projects with Ankara, including construction of the Turkish Stream and the first nuclear power plant in Turkey.