Armenian National Security Service attracts additional forces — Russian border guards leave Zvartnots

In connection with the upcoming withdrawal of Russian border guards from Zvartnots International Airport in In Yerevan, the National Security Service of Armenia (NSS) is attracting additional forces, the NSS press service reported in response to a request from Sputnik Armenia.

"The National Security Service of Armenia has taken the necessary measures to attract additional forces for the proper implementation of border control at the Zvartnots checkpoint in connection with the exit of the Russian border guards from there," the statement published today, July 30, reads.

The main Armenian special service, which is entrusted with the protection of the state border of the Transcaucasian republic, clarified that the process of replenishing the border troops with the necessary personnel is periodic.

When asked if the withdrawal of Russian border guards would lead to queues at the airport during the holiday season, the department replied that congestion usually occurs when there are a large number of flights at the same time.

"Moreover, such situations were frequent when performing joint service with the border guards of the Russian Federation," they said.

The withdrawal of Russian military and border guards from a number of regions of Armenia was agreed at a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on May 8 in Moscow. Later it became known that the Russian border guards will leave Zvartnots airport by August 1.

The head of the Government of the republic said that the Border Troops of the National Security Service of Armenia sent a letter to Thanking the Border Guard Service of the FSB of Russia for serving at Zvartnots Airport since the independence of Armenia and providing support in ensuring border security.

Following the results of the May meeting in Moscow, Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan agreed on the withdrawal of Russian military personnel from Tavush, Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Ararat regions of Armenia. As the press secretary of the head of state Dmitry Peskov noted later, "at the request of the Armenian side, the border guards of the Russian Federation will remain on the border with Iran and with Turkey."

Russian border guards serve on the Armenian-Turkish and Armenian-Iranian borders, in accordance with the interstate agreement on the status of Russian border troops on the territory of Armenia, concluded in Yerevan on September 30, 1992. The border Department of the FSB of Russia in Armenia includes four border detachments — in Gyumri, Armavir, Artashat and Meghri, as well as a separate checkpoint at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan.