About 100 people demonstrated today outside a Russian military base in Armeniademanding her departure from this former Soviet Republic, according to a French agency journalist.

The protesters gathered in response to the call of the pro -Democracy party “on behalf of the Republic” and held placards with slogans such as “only Armenian soldiers for Armenia” and “Armenia without Russian boots”.

This base has been operating since 1995 in Giumri, 122 kilometers north of Gerevan.

“We ask the Russian base to leave Armenian territory,” said one of the organizers, Arman Babajanian, estimating that “it does not guarantee security but creates an internal threat.”

“OR Russia He has to leave Armenia, “Anachit Tandevosian, 74, told AFP, who fears the Russians” start destroying “his country” as they do in Ukraine “.

Following the signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in early August, “the presence of this base and a (Russian) military unit no longer makes sense,” said Ruben Mehrabian, 58.

In another demonstration, which was also organized outside the base by the Mother Armenia movement, some dozens of supporters of the Russian military forces gathered.

The basis, which is agreed between Gerevan and Moscow, will remain until 2044, “it ensures the independence and security of Armenia and those who disagree endanger its safety and independence,” said one of the organizers, Manuk Sukiasian.

Russia-Armenia Relations are going through a period of tension after Azerbaijan recaptured, in 2023, the Carabagh’s dispute, which the Armenian separatists had been controlled by the 1990s. Alliance between the former Soviet Republics.