ARMENIA’S COOPERATION WITH NATO WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF IPAP WILL BE CONTINUAL, ROBERT SIMMONS SAYS
Noyan Tapan
Jun 22 2007
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, NOYAN TAPAN. The sitting of the interdepartmental
commission operating within the framework of Armenia’s Individual
Partnership Actions Plan (IPAP) with NATO ended on June 22 in Yerevan.
Robert Simmons, Special Representative of NATO Secretary General to
South Caucasus, also took part in the sitting.
As Arman Kirakosian, RA Deputy Foreign Minister, informed journalists,
the issue of creating a crisis management center in Armenia was
discussed at the sitting. In Deputy Minister’s words, the center
will control and confront actions of various departments in case of
natural calamities, terrorism or other critical situations. Issues
related to Armenia’a participation in Critical Management – 2008
NATO’s exercises, results of the recent visit to NATO headquarters
of spokespersons of Armenian departments involved in IPAP, events
planned during the current year were also discussed at the sitting.
As to elaboration of Armenia’s military doctrine, in A. Kirakosian’s
words, besides making part of IPAP, it is also one of the most
important problems of the Armenian government. He said that activities
in this direction have already started, a special group has been
created in the Defence Ministry for this purpose.
The Deputy Minister said that an international seminar dedicated to
fighting terrorism will be held jointly with NATO in July.
In R. Simmons’ words, Armenia rather successfully implements all events
included in IPAP. The actions plan has been worked out for two years,
but it will continue in the future, too. He also said that at the
meetings with RA leadership held during his visit he has made sure
that Armenia has an intention of long-term cooperation within the
framework of IPAP.