US official hails Armenia’s “important” steps towards NATO

Mediamax news agency
7 Mar 06

Yerevan, 7 March: “The pace of development of US-Armenian
military-political relations depends on Yerevan – our doors are widely
open,” US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and
Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza told a press conference in Yerevan
today.

“Whatever pace Armenia chooses, it won’t be too fast for us, the
Americans,” Bryza jokingly said.

Bryza pointed out that last year Armenia has taken a lot of important
steps towards the establishment of closer cooperation with the
Euro-Atlantic community. In connection with this, he especially noted
the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) between Armenia and
NATO.

Asked about Russia’s relations with regional countries, Bryza said
this was a matter for decision by Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. He
added that “Russia will continue to remain the major trading partner
of all regional countries”.