MEMBERSHIP SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED NOW

A1+
12 February, 2008

Presidential candidate, Leader of the National-Democratic Union
(AZhM)Vazgen Manukian said today in the visible future Armenia should
not consider membership with the NATO, since it will not enhance the
country’s security. Vazgen Manukyan says he respects the organisation
and is for close cooperation but membership is wrong at this stage.

The AZhM leader says "all pluses and minuses" should be taken into
account while considering the prospects of Armenia’s membership. Among
the "minuses" the presidential candidate points out the aggravation
of Armenia’s relations with Iran and Russia. At the same time, the
candidate doesn’t rule out that in ten years’ time this issue may be
solved automatically or become absolutely moot.

Vazgen Manukian stands for the development of Armenia-Russia
relations. "I am absolutely against relations, in which Armenia will
become a toy in the hands of Russia, or its "advanced post," he stated.

According to the AZhM Leader, neither of the opposition candidates
will be able to gain over 20% in the first round of the presidential
election.

Apparently, neither the candidate from the ruling party, nor anybody
from the opposition, will be able to gain victory in the first round
of the election."