CSTO CHIEF TO WATCH JOINT RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN DRILL

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
September 12, 2005 Monday 5:23 AM Eastern Time

Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO) Nikolai Bordyuzha flew to Armenia on Monday to watch a joint
Russian-Armenian drill, the CSTO’s secretariat told Itar-Tass.

The exercise practices protection and defense of CSTO member-states
by Russian-Armenia units,” Bordyuzha told reporters before flying
to Yerevan.

“Taking part in the military exercise are two motorized rifle
regiments, representing each of the party, as well as support units.

This drill is important for us as an element of combat training,”
he underlined.

Bordyuzha praised Armenia’s contribution to collective security
efforts.

The exercise will take place in Armenia from September 10 throughout
September 13, in line with bilateral accords. It involves Armenian land
troops and Air Force units and units from Russia’s 102nd military base,
the CSTO secretariat said.