ARMENIA-NATO PARTNERSHIP
By M. Alkhazashvili

The Messenger, Georgia
Oct 11 2005

Armenia has expressed its desire to join the NATO Individual
Partnership Program (IPAP). Armenian ambassador to NATO Samvel
Mkrtchian stated at a joint seminar of the Armenian National Assembly
and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Yerevan that he hopes Armenia’s
IPAP will begin in 2006.

According to experts, Armenia’s wish to join the IPAP is indicative
of all the geopolitical changes that have been occurring in the
region. Traditionally pro-Russian, Armenia’s interest in cooperating
with NATO is interpreted by some as evidence that the U.S.A. has
strengthened its influence in the Caucasus. It is noteworthy that
IPAP programs in both Georgia and Azerbaijan began this year.

Armenia hopes that it will be able to learn about state security
systems quickly and reach out to its European neighbors. However
the Armenian ambassador to NATO Samvel Mkrtchian criticized Georgia
and Azerbaijan for having unrealistic expectations concerning NATO
membership.

“We are not as powerful as our neighbors, but we will do our best to
reach our goal. We sign the contracts that we are able to fulfill.

Georgia and Azerbaijan have taken on a huge responsibility. In the
given situation, they find it rather difficult to carry out their
obligations,” Mkrtchian stated, according to Khvalindeli Dghe.