SERGE SARGSIAN TO MEET WITH MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION LEADERSHIP AND IRAQI DEFENCE MINISTER IN IRAQ

Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Nov 13 2006

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 13, NOYAN TAPAN. On November 13, RA Defence Minister,
Secretary of the National Security Council under RA President, Serge
Sargsian left for Iraq.

As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Defence Minister Press Service,
the visit’s goal is to familiarize himself with the service conditions
of Armenian peacekeepers on the spot, to meet with the Defence Minister
of Iraq, as well as with the milti-national division’s leadership.

Answering journalists’ question at the airport, whether the Armenian
side is ready to continue its peacekeeping mission in Iraq, S.Sargsian
said: "We have already applied to the National Assembly to prolong
the mission term, as I am sure as at that time that Armenia cannot
be only a security consumer. Armenia should have its modest, but
stable contribution to processes of international security. And as
time showed, our soldiers and officers carry out important, difficult
and dangerous, as well as a necessary mission first of all for the
Republic of Armenia. With their service they once more confirm that
Armenia is a fully-fledged state."

During a briefing the Minister said that senior lieutenant Georgy
Nalbandian who received a mine injury in the tract of legs when
carrying out a military task was moved to Germany and his life is
out of danger now. "I hope after some time he will recover and will
return to Armenia to continue his service to the homeland. I express
support to his family and I am sure that our armed forces need his
experience and knowledge," S.Sargsian said.