Armenian MP stresses need to expand relations with NATO
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
11 Sep 04
[Presenter] The chairman of the standing parliamentary commission on
defence, national security and internal affairs, Mger Shakhgeldyan, has
aired Armenia’s position in the latest geopolitical developments. He
said that while Armenia is maintaining military relations with Russia
and playing its role in the CIS Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO), it is also maintaining relations with NATO whose role has
been increasing considerably in the region.
Shakhgeldyan is sure that Armenia should take part in international
peaceful activities in order not to lag behind political processes
going on in the world.
[Correspondent over video of news conference] Participation in
international peaceful activities is of great importance for Armenia’s
international rating, the chairman of the standing parliamentary
commission on defence, national security and internal affairs, Mger
Shakhgeldyan, said. Our regional neighbours have been involved in
these activities for a long time now. They participate as part of
international military contingents which are implementing peacekeeping
missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo.
[Mger Shakhgeldyan, captioned] If Armenia continues to be on the
sidelines or to be poorly represented in these activities, then it
will be lagging behind the processes in the region. Today there are
three issues: Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
[Correspondent] Armenian peacekeepers, mainly drivers, doctors and
sappers, will leave for Iraq. They will serve under the Polish command.
[Mger Shakhgeldyan] As for the danger of being taken hostage, I
understand what you mean, this is taking place today in Iraq. The
Armenian unit will be in the most secure area where there will be no
such problem.
[Correspondent] Mger Shakhgeldyan also said that the development
of relations with NATO was also a priority in the Armenian foreign
policy. Apart from military activities, NATO is playing nowadays
an important political role. Armenia’s relations with NATO are
deepening, according to the newly-appointed Armenian ambassador
[to NATO, Samvel Lazarian].
[Mger Shakhgeldyan] NATO is expanding and we have to develop, improve
and strengthen our relations and also maintain our relations with
our military partners.
[Correspondent] Touching upon Armenian officers’ participation in NATO
exercises in Azerbaijan, the chairman of the standing commission noted
that one state could not dictate the rules of its game to other states.
Ayk Ovanisyan, for “Aylur”.