Interfax News Agency, Russia
April 27 2008

Armenia preparing to host CSTO military exercises Rubezh-2008

YEREVAN April 26

Valery Semerikov, a deputy secretary general of the Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), discussed preparations for
command-post exercises Rubezh-2008 with Armenian Defense Minister
Seiran Oganian.

"The first, third, and fourth phases of the exercises will take place
in Armenia and the second in Russia. CSTO Secretary General Nikolai
Bordyuzha will take part in the first phase. Armenia and Russia are
basically satisfied with the way preparations for the Rubezh-2008
exercises are proceeding," Semerikov said at a news conference in
Yerevan on Friday.

The exercises might also include the fifth phase, he said.

Armenia will host Rubezh command-post exercises for the first time.

The fourth phase of the maneuvers to take place in Armenia from August
1 to 5 will include field firing.

The CSTO is comprised of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.