NATO HOPES FOR MORE ACTIVE COOPERATION WITH ARMENIA
news.am
Nov 6 2009
Armenia
Early next year Armenia will dispatch 30 servicemen to Afghanistan,
Robert Simmons, NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and
Central Asia, stated in Yerevan. He made high appraisal of Armenia’s
participation in peace-making operations, particularly in Kosovo.
Simmons pointed out the efficient Armenia-NATO cooperation. He said
that the aim of his visits to Yerevan is to find out Armenia’s position
on regional problems, NATO’s activities and international security.
Simmons pointed out NATO’s close cooperation with the RA National
Security Service in ensuring border security and assisting frontier
troops. Specifically, it is technical assistance to frontier troops at
the Armenian-Georgian border, he said. As regards the Armenian-Turkish
border, NATO is not launching any activities there.
Regular incidents between Armenian and Georgian frontier guards have
recently been registered.
NATO is also closely cooperating with the RA Ministry of Defense in
implementing reforms – the involvement of civil servants in the system,
elaboration of documents, etc.. NATO is also closely cooperating with
the RA Ministry of Emergencies. Next year NTO will hold an emergency
planning training in Armenia.
Simmons also expressed hope for Armenia’s participation in the
elaboration of NATO’s new strategy. A large meeting will soon be held
in Oslo, Norway, to discuss the issue, and NATO hopes for Armenia’s
participation in it, Simmons said.