VARDAN OSKANIAN: ARMENIA’S PARTICIPATION IN IRAQ WILL BE OF ONLY HUMANITARIAN NATURE

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22. ARMINFO. Armenia’s participation in Iraq will be
of only humanitarian nature. Minister of foreign affairs of Armenia
Vardan Oskanian stated during the press conference at the National
Press Club.

According to him, it is laos not excepted that Armenian military
specialists will take with them humanitarian assistance to the people
of Iraq and the Armenian community of that country. “If the parliament
approves the dispatch of the contingent to Iraq, our presence will
be only within the framework of humanitarian assistance. We have not
and shall not have any military presence there. It’s our principal
approach”, the foreign minister stressed. “I think it will be better
that Armenia made its contribution to the restoration of Iraq and
formation of democracy. The stability of that country is important
for the whole region, which may have its positive influence on the
Caucasus as well”, Vardan Oskanian said, adding that the contribution
to the restoration of Iraq proceeds from the interests of Armenia. As
regards possible negative consequences of the dispatch of Armenian
contingent to Iraq for the Armenian community of Iraq, the minister
mentioned that it is difficult to foresee negative consequences,
but they should not be ruled out.