ARMENIAN PEACEKEEPERS’ FOURTH SHIFT LEAVES FOR IRAQ

YEREVAN, JULY 25, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The fourth shift
of Armenian peacekeepers left Yerevan for Iraq on July 23. Like the
previous shifts, there are doctors, sappers and drivers among the 46
servicemen of the fourth shift.

As Captain Vasak Avetisian, Commander of the military unit, said in
his interview to NT correspondent, only 10% of the unit members has
previously taken part in the peacekeeping actions in Iraq. There are
some servicemen who have been in Kosovo but the main part, as well
as the Commander himself are leaving for Iraq for the first time.

The fourth shift of peacekeepers like the previous one left for Iraq
for 6 months. The previous shift will return 5 days after the arrival
of the next shift, after sharing its experience and information about
its obligations with the latter.

As Deputy Defence Minister Artur Aghabekian said, the Armenian
peacekeepers will continue to carry out their mission in Kosovo for
one more year. As for Iraq, the Armenian peacekeepers’ mission will
last longer there. In Aghabekian’s words, in late 2006 the Defence
Ministry will apply to the National Assembly with a proposal to
prolong the peacekeeping mission in Iraq for one more year.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress