Russian Chief Of Staff Arrives In Armenia To Discuss Military Cooperation

Anatoly Kvashnin, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, arrived in Armenia today. During his visit, he plans to meet with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, Armenian Katolikos (Christian leader) Garegin II, and Defense Minister Serge Sarkisyan. On arrival in Yerevan, Kvashnin stated at the Zvartnots airport that the main theme of the negotiations in Armenia would be the prospects of the Armenian-Russian military cooperation. Commenting on the anti-terrorist operations of the US in Afghanistan, Kvashnin pointed out that Russia had approved of Armenia's readiness to give the US an air corridor, the ARKA news agency reports. At the same time, he underlined that Russia's 102nd Base, located in the territory of Armenia, will not be used in the anti-terrorist operations, including those in the territory of Afghanistan. "Russia will participate in anti-terrorist operations of the US in ways specified by President of Russia Vladimir Putin, such as provision of humanitarian aid and an air corridor," Kvashnin pointed out.