ARMENIA CONFIRMS EURO-ATLANTIC PRIORITIES

Regnum, Russia
Aug. 8, 2006

"Full Integration into European structures and institutions is
Armenia’s main foreign policy objective. Armenia also intends to
intensify practical and political co-operation with NATO in order
to draw closer to the Alliance," say Armenia’s Commitments under the
Individual Partnership Action Plan with NATO, a document published on
the official site of the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Armenia.

The document says that "Armenia wishes to promote regional security and
stability in the Caucasus and is determined to work constructively to
develop and improve relations with its neighbors. Armenia will work
towards a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and
is fully supportive of the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group in this
regard. Armenia seeks normalization of relations with Turkey and is
determined to pursue constructive dialogue, including direct talks
with Turkey, towards this end."

"Armenia is determined to strengthen its capabilities to combat
terrorism and organized crime. Armenia also intends to enhance its
capabilities to manage the consequences caused by terrorist acts
and organized crime. Building on existing co-operation with NATO in
this area, Armenia is ready to become more actively involved in the
implementation of relevant programs and activities and in particular
the Partnership Action Plan against Terrorism, including exchange of
relevant intelligence. Armenia intends to take further legislative
and practical measures to combat organized crime." "Armenia intends to
develop and strengthen democratic control and civilian oversight of its
armed forces. Armenia also intends to promote civilian participation
in development of defense and security policy," says the document.