"WE HAVE THE DRAFT, THE REST IS IMMATERIAL"
by Anna Satjan
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
December 13, 2006 Wednesday
Draft National Security Concept presented to the parliament of Armenia.
Draft National Security Concept was presented to the parliament of
Armenia on December 1. Discussing it, most lawmakers agreed that
the document had some shortcomings but was more or less a success
all the same. US, Russian, and European structures the document
had been forwarded to for evaluation praised it too. Presenting the
draft document, Serj Sarkisjan of the National Security Council made
an emphasis on what he believed its central clauses. Here are some
excerpts from Sarkisjan’s speech.
"Armenia is ready for compromises in the Karabakh conflict resolution
as long as certain principles are honored. They include unacceptability
of vertical relations between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh,
existence of a land border between Karabakh and Armenia, international
guarantees of Karabakh’s participation in global processes, and
guarantees of non-renewal of the war and safety of the population…"
"Armenia aspires for betterment of relations with Turkey through
establishment of contacts. Armenia wouldn’t put up with any preliminary
conditions put forth by Turkey… The Concept demands acknowledgement
of genocide by Turkey as restoration of historic justice and guarantees
of no more encroachments on Armenia…"
"The Concept attaches considerable importance to relations with
the diaspora whose representatives are playing a certain part in the
political and social lives of their respective countries. The diaspora
may serve as a bridge facilitating Armenia’s bilateral relations with
other countries, one that promotes the principles of democracy and
development of commerce and tourism…"
Source: Novoye Vremya (Yerevan), December 5, 2006, EV