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JAMES APPATHURAI: NO CONTRADICTION BETWEEN GOOD ARMENIA-NATO PARTNERSHIP AND ARMENIA'S PARTICIPATION IN CSTO
October 18, 2013 | 14:18
YEREVAN. - NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for South
Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai confirmed the Alliance's
readiness to further assist the reforms that Armenia is carrying out
in defense sector.
The NATO official noted Armenia's contribution in Afghanistan and
Kosovo which is clear demonstration that Armenia is a contributor to
international security.
During the meetings in Armenia, James Appathurai expressed support
for continued and deeper cooperation between NATO and Armenia when
it comes to reforms.
"NATO is supporting Armenia as it develops its new defense strategies
for helping Armenia modernize its defense education structures. We
are working with Armenia to fight corruption, in particular when it
comes to procurements. We are doing a lot and can do more," he said,
adding that it is an important period till the October 2014 summit.
The Alliance is looking towards the future of NATO after the end
of ISAF mission in Afghanistan. He stressed that NATO has recently
deepened cooperation with its partners.
"We want deepen it in future and we want to discuss with Armenia
and other partners how they see cooperation in the future. What I
heard from my Armenian interlocutors, starting from the president,
was clear. First there is no contradiction between good partnership
with Armenia and NATO and Armenia's participation in the CSTO or its
decision on Customs Union, and we share this view," he added.
Secondly, Armenia intends to continue its contribution to peacekeeping
mission, for example in Afghanistan, which is welcomed by the Alliance.
"Armenia would welcome closer cooperation to support its own defense
reform and priorities, and we will give that," he added.
James Appathurai called the visit "encouraging" and expressed
confidence that political relations with Armenia will continue and
strengthen.
Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am
News from Armenia - NEWS.am
October 18, 2013 | 14:18
YEREVAN. - NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for South
Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai confirmed the Alliance's
readiness to further assist the reforms that Armenia is carrying out
in defense sector.
The NATO official noted Armenia's contribution in Afghanistan and
Kosovo which is clear demonstration that Armenia is a contributor to
international security.
During the meetings in Armenia, James Appathurai expressed support
for continued and deeper cooperation between NATO and Armenia when
it comes to reforms.
"NATO is supporting Armenia as it develops its new defense strategies
for helping Armenia modernize its defense education structures. We
are working with Armenia to fight corruption, in particular when it
comes to procurements. We are doing a lot and can do more," he said,
adding that it is an important period till the October 2014 summit.
The Alliance is looking towards the future of NATO after the end
of ISAF mission in Afghanistan. He stressed that NATO has recently
deepened cooperation with its partners.
"We want deepen it in future and we want to discuss with Armenia
and other partners how they see cooperation in the future. What I
heard from my Armenian interlocutors, starting from the president,
was clear. First there is no contradiction between good partnership
with Armenia and NATO and Armenia's participation in the CSTO or its
decision on Customs Union, and we share this view," he added.
Secondly, Armenia intends to continue its contribution to peacekeeping
mission, for example in Afghanistan, which is welcomed by the Alliance.
"Armenia would welcome closer cooperation to support its own defense
reform and priorities, and we will give that," he added.
James Appathurai called the visit "encouraging" and expressed
confidence that political relations with Armenia will continue and
strengthen.
Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am
News from Armenia - NEWS.am