ARMENIAN PRESIDENT, NATO OFFICIAL DISCUSS TIES

Arminfo
23 May 06

Yerevan, 23 May: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan and the special
representative of the NATO secretary-general for the South Caucasus,
Robert Simmons, today discussed prospects for developing relations
between Armenia and NATO.

Robert Kocharyan rated highly the implementation of a partnership
plan with NATO and noted that essential progress had been recorded in
the implementation of the programme’s provisions within a short time,
the presidential press service told Arminfo.

The importance of carrying out appropriate reforms in the
Armenian defence system and strengthening democracy were noted
in this context. Looking at relations with NATO in the context of
Armenia’s integration into Europe, the president also noted that an
interdepartmental commission had been set up in Armenia recently to
coordinate work with various European structures. The commission will
regularly report to the president on its work in various fields.

“Our goal is not to fall behind the schedule but move forward rapidly
and implement joint programmes,” Robert Kocharyan said.

At the request of his guest, the Armenian president briefed him on
the latest developments in the peaceful settlement of the Nagornyy
Karabakh conflict.