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Russian political analyst Sergey Rogov: â€œWe need Gabala radar station most of all for keeping the US strategic submarines in the Indian Ocean under controlâ€ - INTERVIEW

04 May 2012 09:58 (UTC +04:00)

- What level are the negotiations with Azerbaijan on prorogation of a lease of Gabala Radar station in?

- The question is that the lease of Gabala radar station is running out and Russia is interested in modernization of its missile attack warning system. Armavir radar station situated in our territory largely facilitates this issue. Despite it, taking into account the geographical position of Gabala, of course, it would be better to keep this station in modernized situation.

- The press writes that Azerbaijan demands USD 300 mln per year for Gabala radar stationâ€™s rentâ€¦

- Of course, as always the question is money and the sides must close a bargain. It is difficult to say how the deal will finish. Azerbaijan is interested in getting much money, but Russia is interested in decreasing the rental. These negotiations are not political, they have a commercial character. Probably the deal will continue.

- If Russia loses Gabala radar station, what will it mean for your country?

- The Gabala radar station is not significant for Russia in terms of threat from Iran, despite the intermediate-range missiles can reach Russiaâ€™s territory and the likelihood of missile attack from Iran to our country is not so great. Gabala radar station affords an opportunity to keep the Indian Ocean, where the US submarines carry out combat duty, under control. In this context, Gabala radar station has a great significance and it is unlikely that the new radar station, which will be constructed in our country, can compensate the capabilities of Gabala radar station.

- In your opinion, how will the negotiations finish?

-I think that we will come to an agreement, because, it is significant strategic issue in Russia-Azerbaijan relations. I donâ€™t think that the sides will refuse a compromise.

-Armenia announced that it could construct such radar station in its territory. Is Russia considering this proposal?

-In principle, such alternative is possible, but probably it would be expensive than modernization of Gabala Radar Station, because there is ready-to-use infrastructure in Gabala. If we donâ€™t reach a compromise with Azerbaijan, one can not completely rule out this alternative.