TURKEY, AZERBAIJAN AND RUSSIA NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN NATO EXERCISES IN ARMENIA
NOYAN TAPAN
JU NE 24
The third conference on the Cooperative Lancer/Longbow and Bold Lynx
2008 Exercises to be held in Armenia within the framework of the
NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) program started at Yerevan’s Ani
Plaza Hotel on June 24. The Armenian co-chairman of the exercises,
Deputy Chief of the Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Major General
Arshaluys Paytian told reporters that the preparatory work was almost
completed and the conference participants will discuss issues related
to technical, rear, signals and other services.
110 militaries of 30 nationalities, including 37 NATO officers,
as well as representatives of the states-participants in NATO PfP
program attended the conference.
According to A. Paytian, Armenia has participated in 7 exercises of
this kind since 2001. "Cooperative Lancer/Longbow and Bold Lynx 2008"
is the third exercise of the NATO in our country. The expenditures of
the exercises are covered by the NATO that holds 2-3 such trainings
a year.
21 countries will send their militaries for the exercises in Armenia,
including 7 NATO members (the U.S, the UK, Canada, Poland, Lithuania,
etc) and 13 from PfP program. Yet another state – the United Arab
Emirates represents the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. A. Paytian
said that Turkey, Azerbaijan and Russia have not expressed a desire
to take part in the exercises. Out of former Soviet republics,
Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Moldova will participate
in the exercises.
The exercises will include two stages: the first stage – a command
post exercise will have 350-360 military as participants, while the
second one – a field training exercise will have 800-850 military
as participants.
In the words of A. Paytian, the scenario is quite comprehensive.
Representatives of various military specialities, inclding drivers,
military personnel, will be involved. The participants are expected to
arrive from September 15. The first stage will start on September 20,
while the exercises will last 15-20 days.
A. Paytian assured those present that the Armenian side will be
prepared in the best way. In his words, Armenian militaries have
always demonstrated good results both in peacekeeping activity and
during such exercises.
According to him, Claudio Verchellotti – the Deputy Chief of Staff
of Allied Land Component Heidelberg had said that Armenia has always
participated successfully in such exercises, and the past year’s work
also shows that Armenia is ready to organize such events.