An Armenian deputy defence minister has said that it was natural for Russian servicemen to take part in yesterday's military parade in Yerevan.
“Together with Armenian military servicemen, military servicemen of the Russian Federation, Armenia’s strategic partner, also marched in the military parade to mark the 20th anniversary of independence," Deputy Defence Minister Davit Tonoyan said.
"[They are the military servicemen] of a country that brings its undeniable support to our country’s security, that is, the securing of independence, a clear sign of which is the current level of military and military-technical cooperation. And using the term 'foreign country' is not only inconsistent with reality, but sounds alien to all those who throughout the years have witnessed the successful implementation of Russian Federation-Armenia military programs,” the deputy defence minister said.
“Other state subdivisions’ participation in military parades is an accepted practice. As a case in point, the Honour Guard Company of Armenia’s Armed Forces several months ago participated in the military parade organized on Italy’s national holiday. Such practice exists in France, too,” Tonoyan said.
The Russian servicemen who took part in the parade are stationed at the Russian military base in the Armenian town of Gyumri.
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