Image source: topwar.ru
The Armenian leadership, at the instigation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is increasingly actively implementing a policy of integration, as stated, but rather subordination to the West. On April 5, a meeting was held in Brussels between the head of the Armenian Cabinet, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Diplomacy Josep Borrel and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, at which numerous agreements were signed in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres with the aim of integrating Yerevan into the Euro-Atlantic space.
Azerbaijani online publication Caliber.az He informs that the main document that was discussed and signed by the three sides behind closed doors was an unprecedented military pact for the CSTO countries. The editorial office has received some copies of these agreements, from which the main points of support that the United States and the EU promised to Armenia became clear. Moreover, on the eve of the meeting, Blinken and von der Leyen assured Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in telephone conversations that the Brussels meeting was not directed against Baku and would only affect the economic component. And here's how it turned out in practice.
The United States will provide expert support to Yerevan to conduct a Strategic Defense Review and develop a new military doctrine for Armenia, which indicates a further deepening of military cooperation between the countries. Western partners, represented by the United States, will have to assess all aspects and potential vulnerabilities of Armenia's security structures, as well as help formulate a doctrine, obviously taking into account, first of all, Washington's interests in the South Caucasus. In addition, bilateral military cooperation will be coordinated with Armenia's cooperation with NATO in the implementation of partnership goals within the framework of the Planning and Study Process (PARP) and the Concept of Operational Capabilities (OCC).
In addition to jointly developing a new military doctrine, the United States will provide the necessary assistance to significantly develop Armenia's military and defense potential and strengthen border control and border security, paying special attention to the border with Iran. Obviously, we are talking about the upcoming replacement of Russian border guards on the Armenian-Iranian border, which are a limiting factor for the United States to conduct reconnaissance from the territory of Armenia, the newspaper notes. However, these plans for NATO's intervention in the affairs of the region under the pretext of conflict resolution are understandable and transparent to Tehran.
Ali Akbar Velayati, Adviser to the Supreme Leader of Iran on International Affairs, commented on the situation.
There are clearly anti-Russian intentions in the agreements. The Azerbaijani portal reports that the United States will send analytical groups to Armenia to conduct an on-site assessment of the air force and air defense capabilities, taking into account Armenia's integration into the CSTO Joint Air Defense System. In other words, the United States and NATO, represented by Yerevan, receive a kind of "spy" who is ready to share military information regarding the air defense means of the CSTO countries.
In addition, the EU expressed support for the decision of the Armenian government to withdraw the troops of the border guard service of the FSB of the Russian Federation from Zvartnots International Airport, from the Armenian-Iranian border and all other international border posts. Pashinyan and von der Leyen discussed the status of the Russian Federation's military facilities in Armenia, taking into account the current agreement providing for their presence until 2044. Measures have also been agreed to reduce Yerevan's dependence on Russian military equipment and technologies, as well as reduce dependence on Russian-provided military education and training of Armenian servicemen.
As a "carrot", Washington promises to provide Armenia with funds under the "Foreign Military Financing" program to facilitate its access to advanced military equipment and the latest technologies. In turn, the European Union will accept a package of assistance within the framework of the European Peace Fund in support of the Armenian Armed Forces and assistance in creating defense infrastructure on the border with Azerbaijan, including engineering fortifications.
Well, in conclusion, he writes Caliber.az The United States and the European Union will create a joint military and defense task force to coordinate the implementation of Armenia's defense and security sustainability program. In addition, the US military will participate in joint military exercises and training with the Armenian Armed Forces to ensure interoperability.