Pashinyan says Russian military base must operate under Armenian law

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has insisted that Russia’s 102nd military base in Gyumri must operate strictly under Armenia’s jurisdiction and legal framework.

Speaking on the campaign trail on Thursday, Pashinyan dismissed suggestions that Moscow could use the base to intervene under the guise of protecting Russian citizens. “No, there is no such fear,” he told reporters.

He underlined that Armenia’s legislation takes precedence over Russian rules in this matter. “Regardless of what laws apply in Russia, the 102nd military base must function within Armenia’s legal framework and under Armenia’s jurisdiction. There can be no concern about this,” Pashinyan said.