ARMENIA NOT SEEKING NATO MEMBERSHIP, YET IT IS A CRUCIAL PARTNER – NATO OFFICIAL

Yerkir
11.03.2010 15:35

Yerevan (Yerkir) – The NATO Parliamentary Assembly attaches high
importance to Armenia and the entire region, Loic Bouvard, the former
President of the North Atlantic Parliamentary Assembly and French
Parliament member stated at the NATO PA Rose-Roth Seminar in Yerevan.

He maintained that conflicts impede regional development. In this
context, Mr. Bouvard pointed out that the NATO PA will contribute
to settling of regional conflicts, including the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.

Speaking of the Armenian-Turkish ties, Bouvard welcomed the two
nations’ efforts to normalize the relations. He voiced hope that
all the obstacles will be removed, adding that history is not to be
consigned to oblivion. "I hope the nations will find the strength to
admit their history," Bouvard said.

He stressed that the Rose-Roth seminar in Yerevan allows for a
dialogue between the countries of the region. Although, unlike Georgia,
Armenia is not seeking NATO membership, yet it is a crucial partner,
the official stated.

A 3-day "Regional processes in the South Caucasus: Challenges,
Opportunities, Prospects" NATO PA Rose-Roth seminar opened in Yerevan
on March 11.