ARMENIA RESOLUTE TO DEVELOP COOPERATION WITH NATO
armradio.am
07.02.2008 17:36
On February 7 RA Defense Minister Michael Harutyunyan met with
the delegation of the NATO Mission on Assessment of the Individual
Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) and the Planning and Review Process
(PARP) led by Head of the Political Affairs and Security Directorate
Yaroslav Skonechka.
At the beginning of the meeting Michael Harutyunyan greeted the guests,
noting that the periodic visits of different NATO representatives to
the region, particularly Armenia, evidence that NATO is interested
in regional developments. The Minister noted that NATO’s role in
the region is substantial, and that the development of multifaceted
cooperation with the Alliance is of primary importance for Armenia.
Michael Harutyunyan stated that the organization has an important input
in ensuing international security and stability, which is evidenced by
the peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Armenia highly
appreciates the efforts of the organization in the development of
Armenia-NATO cooperation, which is proved by application of the
objectives of the IPAP and PARP in the process of implementation of
defense reforms in the Republic of Armenia.
The Minister noted that the first two-year stage of the PARP can
be considered accomplished. Its results will be discussed during
the sitting of the North Atlantic Treaty in 26+1 format expected
in April. A new process, i.e. the strategic defense review, will be
launched this year. Mr.
Harutynyan assured that the Armenian side is resolute to develop the
cooperation with NATO and expressed hope that the collaboration will
keep growing during the coming two years, embracing new fields.
At the end of the meeting the parties exchanged views on a number of
issues related to regional security and stability.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
