Armenia's ex-president, the leader of "Armenia" pre-election bloc Robert Kocharyan believes Russian presence in the region should take more modern forms especially in this challenging time for Armenia. Kocharyan's remarks came at a meeting with supporters during the election campaign.
The ex-president pointed to the growing leverage of Turkey in the region which has penetrated into spheres one could not imagine years ago.
"When you look at the map, it becomes obvious that Russia is the only country that can become a restraining factor against Turkish expansion. With this in view, there is a need to start a serious process with Russia to strengthen their military presence here," said Kocharyan, adding, however, the strengthening of the country should be ensured exclusively by the Russian presence.
Kocharyan reminded that Armenia used to have a good wight in the region since for long period the perception had been that the Armenian army is the most combat ready in the region, while today that perception is no more actual. Subsequently, per Kocharyan, along with expanding the Russian base, the military power of the country should also be restored.
"This is how the world order is: when you are weak and have no capacities, no one will reckon with you. We used to be a factor, now we are a proxy and we should do everything to restore our positions and become a factor in the region but not for a war," declared the leader of "Armenia" bloc.