ArmInfo. In fact the Armenian-Russian Joint Military Group has existed for quite a long time, Armenia's Deputy Defense Minister David Tonoyan told ArmInfo's correspondent.
According to him due to it relations between the commanders, relations between the 102nd Russian military base located in Armenia and Command of the General Staff were regulated through legal acts and agreements that had not the status of international documents. "Now we are trying to manage this issue. Most importantly conditions are created for establishing joint command of military group, which will be commanded by Armenia's representative in time of peace. In war time based on agreement between Supreme Commanders of the both countries a Chief Commander of the forces will be appointed", Tonoyan stated.
To note, on November 14 President Putin signed a decree, approving the agreement with Armenia on joint military group of the Russian and Armenian armed forces in the Caucasus sector of Collective Security. According to the Draft Agreement, the sides will set a joint military group, to secure "the adequate reaction to any military attack (aggression), as well as to any other threats". The Defense Ministries of two countries will develop and approve at the Supreme Commanders all the proposals in respect to implementation of the Joint Military Group.
According to the Draft Agreement, the group Commander will be appointed by the Supreme Commander of the Republic of Armenia in concordance with the Supreme Commander of Russia. In conditions of peace the group will be under the jurisdiction of the Armenian General Staff Commander, and in combat conditions, "depending on situation", also under the Commander of Southern Division of Russian Forces. The document also states that both sides will implement the funding and supply of their parties independently. It is accentuated in the Draft, that "this Agreement is not aimed at any third countries." The Agreement is expected to be signed for five years with possible extension, if no Party takes a decision to cancel.