Author: Lena Karagyozian

 20:19, 2 February, 2022

YEREVAN, 2 FEBRUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Pentagon has not ruled out the possibility that additional US forces in Europe could be sent to Ukraine to assist in the evacuation, ARMENPRESS reports Pentagon representative John Kirby said during a briefing on February 2.

Asked if US forces could support a possible evacuation, Kirby said: "Our forces are ready to carry out various missions, they will be ready to fulfill various responsibilities."

He stressed that the US military will not take part in military operations in Ukraine. However, he declined to give further details on the mission of the US forces and the exact schedule for sending them to Europe.

Armenian Armed Forces celebrate 30th anniversary of foundation

 08:35,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 28, ARMENPRESS. The Republic of Armenia and Armenians around the world celebrate the 30th anniversary of foundation of the Armenian Armed Forces on January 28.

The formation of the Armenian Armed Forces coincides with 1992-1994, when the newly independent Republic of Armenia, along with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, being in undeclared but de facto war with Azerbaijan, simultaneously embarked on the creation of a national army. The Declaration of Independence of 1990, however, played a decisive role in the creation of the Armenian Army.

On January 28, 1992, the Government adopted the historic decision titled “On the Defense Ministry of Armenia”, heralding the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces. In May of 1992, the Defense Ministry carried out the first drafting.

The establishment of the Armenian Armed Forces passed through several stages. The first stage lasted from February 1988 to May 1992. In this period, ensuring the safety and security of the populations of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh was more than pressing, as the Karabakh Movement became active and the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations escalated.

The second stage, June 1992 – May 1994, when the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh were in the crosshairs of the Azerbaijani aggression.

The third stage began since June 1994 and continues to present day. During this period, significant works were carried out in the direction of improving the combat readiness of the troops, strengthening discipline, training of officers, Army-public relations etc.

In September of 1990, the special regiment of Yerevan was formed, while five companies were established in Ararat, Goris, Vardenis, Ijevan and Meghri. In 1991, the Government approved the formation of the State Committee of Defense.

Men aged 18-27 are subject to compulsory military service in Armenia for a two year period. Drafting is carried out twice a year – in winters and summers. In 2017 the Defense Ministry introduced “I am”, “I have honor” and “Outlook” service options.

Since its establishment, the Armenian Armed Forces have cooperated and continue cooperating with international organizations.

On May 15, 1992, Armenia became a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Military cooperation with Russia has a great role in the international cooperation field of the Armenian Armed Forces. Russia is Armenia’s strategic partner and the defense cooperation between the states is on a high level.

Cooperation with NATO is also expanding year by year.

The Armenian Armed Forces greatly focus on training and educating highly skilled personnel. With this purpose, the Military aviation college was formed, which later transformed into the Military-Aviation institute, the Defense Ministry’s Command College was established – currently the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Institute, and the military-medical faculty of the Yerevan State Medical University.

Graduates of the abovementioned institutions have continued trainings in foreign educational facilities. Namely, more than 1500 officers and cadets have trained and continue training in Russia and Greece.

Armenian peacekeepers have a significant role in the history of the Armenian Armed Forces. Due to the peacekeepers, various countries around the world saw and appreciated the highly skilled and professional Armenian soldiers.

On February 12, 2004, Armenia deployed a platoon-sized unit (three squads) to Kosovo to join the NATO peacekeeping mission as part of the Greek peacekeeping contingent.

In 2005, Armenia deployed peacekeeping forces consisting of sappers, engineers and doctors to Iraq. The mission was on duty until 2009.

Armenian servicemen are carrying out peacekeeping missions also in Afghanistan since 2010.

Since November 26, 2014, Armenian peacekeepers are deployed in Lebanon, within the UNIFIL.

In 2015, one peacekeeper was dispatched to Mali on a monitoring-peacekeeping mission.

The Armenian Army has been and will remain the guarantor of security and borders of Armenia.

 13:31, 6 January, 2022

YEREVAN, JANUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the situation in Kazakhstan.

“We are following the armed clashes in Kazakhstan with concern. The infiltration of terrorist groups is alarming. We strongly condemn the manifestation of violence, we are convinced that it is not a way for solving political issues.

We believe that steps need to be undertaken for preventing further clashes, restoring the environment of tolerance which is necessary for peaceful political processes in the country, including the exercise of citizens’ right to peaceful rallies and freedom of _expression_,” it said.

 14:20, 5 January, 2022

YEREVAN, JANUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government ratified the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union (and its member states) and Singapore.

The agreement aims at boosting trade of goods and services, enhancement of cooperation and ensuring modern standards for protecting capital investment and founding and activities of companies.

At the same time, the agreement stipulates the parties’ intent to sign agreements on free trade, investments and services in accordance to rules and jurisdiction defined by the parties.

The purpose of the agreement is to create a beneficial environment and conditions for the development of mutual trade relations and boosting economic cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

 16:02,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin congratulated Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan on the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays, the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office said.

In a telegram sent to Pashinyan, Mishustin noted that in 2021 the Russian-Armenian relations based on friendship, good-neighborliness and strategic partnership have continued developing, and the trade-economic and investment cooperation are being expanded, while inter-regional and business ties are strengthening.

“I am sure that in 2022 joint efforts by our governments will ensure further progress of practical partnership. We will continue creating favorable conditions as part of the Eurasian Economic Union for the implementation of promising projects and integration initiatives. This is entirely in the interests of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia,” Mishustin said, wishing good health and happiness to PM Pashinyan and his family, and peace and prosperity to the Armenian people.