DISPATCH CEREMONY OF SIXTH SHIFT OF ARMENIAN PEACEMAKING FORCES LEAVING FOR IRAQ HAS BEEN HELD

Noyan Tapan
Jul 18 2007

YEREVAN, JULY 18, NOYAN TAPAN. The official dispatch ceremony
of the sixth shift of the Armenian peacemaking forces leaving
for Iraq took place in the Capital regiment of Yerevan on
July 18. Doctors, combat-engineers, drivers, and signallers
are included in the peacemaking platoon, which consists of 46
servicemen. Lieutenant-General Seyran Ohanian, the Chief of Staff
of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, presented a number
of servicemen, who have taken part in the peacemaking activities in
Iraq with watches during this solemn ceremony.

Seyran Ohanian mentioned that the activities of the Armenian
peacemaking forces in Iraq and Kosovo are highly appreciated by both
Armenia and the management of the International Armed Forces: they
are punctual, diligent and ready to carry out their mission. "With
this we prove to the world community that we are able to take part
in the settlement of security problems not only in our own, but in
any other country," he mentioned.

According to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic
of Armenia, no decision has been made concerning the increase in the
number of the Armenian peacemaking forces, as well as with regard to
sending such a group to Afghanistan as yet.

In resonse to the question of journalists, Seyran Ohanian declared
that Senior Lieutenant Georgy Nalbandian, who was injured during the
activities of the peacemaking forces in Iraq and is now receiving
treatment in the United States, is feeling well at present and will
return to Armenia in the near future.