Russia Expects to Continue to Lease the Gabala Radar Station for 2-3 Years

The agreement to extend the Russian lease of the Gabala radar station is likely to be extended for a maximum of three years, but the financial parameters of the agreement will remain the same, RIA Novosti reported on Friday, citing a source close to the negotiations.

Earlier, a source close to the leadership of the Russian Defense Ministry expressed disappointment with the unconstructive approach of Azerbaijan to the negotiations. In early spring Baku increased the rent for the radar from $7 million to $ 300 million a year.

"Currently, we are talking about extending the contract for two or three years within the parameters existing today, including the financial ones," said the source. According to him, during the term of the new contract it is expected to resolve all differences between Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation related to the financial terms of the lease, and to develop a compromise agreement for a longer term.

* The agreement to lease the station was signed in 2002 and will expire on December 24, 2012. This station is designed to track ballistic missiles and other air targets in the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. -02D-