David Tonoyan: Armenia and Russia`s Supreme Commanders will appoint  Commander of Joint Military Group in case of war 

ArmInfo. In fact the Armenian-Russian Joint Military Group has existed for quite a long time, Armenia's Deputy Defense Minister David Tonoyan told ArmInfo's correspondent. 

According to him due to it relations between the commanders,  relations between the 102nd Russian military base located in Armenia  and Command of the General Staff were regulated through legal acts  and agreements that had not the status of international documents.  "Now we are trying to manage this issue.  Most importantly conditions  are created for establishing joint command of military group, which  will be commanded by Armenia's representative in time of peace. In  war time based on agreement between Supreme Commanders of the both  countries a Chief Commander of the forces will be appointed", Tonoyan  stated. 

To note, on November 14 President Putin signed a decree, approving  the agreement with Armenia on joint military group of the Russian and  Armenian armed forces in the Caucasus sector of Collective Security.   According to the Draft Agreement, the sides will set a joint military  group, to secure "the adequate reaction to any military attack  (aggression), as well as to any other threats".  The Defense  Ministries of two countries will develop and approve at the Supreme  Commanders all the proposals in respect to implementation of the  Joint Military Group. 

According to the Draft Agreement, the group Commander will be  appointed by the Supreme Commander of the Republic of Armenia in  concordance with the Supreme Commander of Russia.  In conditions of  peace the group will be under the jurisdiction of the Armenian  General Staff Commander, and in combat conditions, "depending on  situation", also under the Commander of Southern Division of Russian  Forces.  The document also states that both sides will implement the  funding and supply of their parties independently.  It is accentuated  in the Draft, that "this Agreement is not aimed at any third  countries." The Agreement is expected to be signed for five years  with possible extension, if no Party takes a decision to cancel.