Armenian parliament approves sending military specialists to Iraq

Itar-Tass, Russia
Dec 24 2004

YEREVAN, December 24 (Itar-Tass) – The Armenian parliament has ratified
a bill on sending military specialists to Iraq.

The decision was made after seven hours of closed-door debates.
Ninety-one deputy supported the bill, 23 voted against, and one
abstained. The Justice opposition bloc and the Dashnaktsutyun party,
which is a member of the ruling coalition and holder of ministerial
portfolios, objected to the bill.

Thus, Armenia joined the memorandum on mutual understanding in the
formation of the South-Center multinational division led by Poland
and stationed in Iraq. The document signed between Poland and another
19 countries last July regulates relations in the division.

Armenian Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisyan said they would send up to
50 military drivers, sappers and medics to Iraq. Their mission will
be purely humanitarian and voluntary. Contracts will be signed with
the Armenian servicemen, he said.

Armenia will make several reservations before sending its personnel to
Iraq, Sarkisyan said. Firstly, they must not take part in operations
together with Azerbaijani units. Secondly, they must be engaged only in
defensive and humanitarian actions. In case of demining handmade bombs,
America must supply Armenian sappers with robots, the minister said.