Ordinary Armenian citizens will shortly feel the fruits of the Russian President's Dec 2 visits to Armenia, Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov told journalists on Tuesday.
He said that the 30% reduction in gas and oil product prices cannot but have a good effect on the lives of Armenian citizens. "The visit has proved that Armenia and Russia are strategic allies. We live in a country where security is a top priority. Without guarantees of security we cannot think about social and economic reforms," Sharmazanov said.
As regards Putin's statement that Russia is strengthening its positions in the South Caucasus, Sharmazanov said that any great power has its own geo-political interests. "When our strategic partner says that it will not leave the region, it means that the Russian military base in stay in Armenia and we will be able to buy military equipment at domestic Russian prices," Sharmazanov said.