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NATO REPRESENTATIVE TOLD THE "SECRET"
Nobody disputes Armenia's strategic partnership with Russia, it
is the sovereign decision made by Armenia in a situation we all
understand very well, said NATO SG's Special Representative for the
South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai in answer to the
question on dependence on Russia.
He noted that Armenia has always followed balance in its foreign
policy, adding that they are conducting a policy of open doors and
are ready to cooperate. However, he says, these open doors are for
expanding and deepening cooperation and should not be taken for the
open doors for the enlargement of the alliance.
He noted that in the result of the balanced policy Armenia has
decided to have a policy and practical cooperation with NATO which
is commendable. He believes that Yerevan wants to discuss with them
what more can be done, and it is not a matter of either or but both.
He said he reiterated in his meetings with Armenian high-ranking
officials NATO's readiness to support defense reforms in Armenia. NATO
supports Armenia's new defense strategy, upgrading of military
education infrastructures in line with international standards,
as well as fight against corruption in procurement, he noted.
The NATO official said he had come to Armenia to listen to the opinion
and visions of Armenia on how to deepen cooperation.
He said his interlocutors in Armenia, including the president,
stated clearly that nothing will hinder deepening relations with
NATO along with being a CSTO and Customs Union member, nothing that
they also think so. It has also been reiterated that Armenia will
continue to participate in the international peacekeeping process,
James Appathurai said.
He also noted that NATO has never had a political objective to expand
towards the post-Soviet space, however it is a political priority
to keep NATO doors open for all the democratic European countries
wishing to affiliate with the alliance.
He noted that affiliation to the alliance remains valid for Georgia.
15:06 18/10/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/politics/view/31130
Nobody disputes Armenia's strategic partnership with Russia, it
is the sovereign decision made by Armenia in a situation we all
understand very well, said NATO SG's Special Representative for the
South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai in answer to the
question on dependence on Russia.
He noted that Armenia has always followed balance in its foreign
policy, adding that they are conducting a policy of open doors and
are ready to cooperate. However, he says, these open doors are for
expanding and deepening cooperation and should not be taken for the
open doors for the enlargement of the alliance.
He noted that in the result of the balanced policy Armenia has
decided to have a policy and practical cooperation with NATO which
is commendable. He believes that Yerevan wants to discuss with them
what more can be done, and it is not a matter of either or but both.
He said he reiterated in his meetings with Armenian high-ranking
officials NATO's readiness to support defense reforms in Armenia. NATO
supports Armenia's new defense strategy, upgrading of military
education infrastructures in line with international standards,
as well as fight against corruption in procurement, he noted.
The NATO official said he had come to Armenia to listen to the opinion
and visions of Armenia on how to deepen cooperation.
He said his interlocutors in Armenia, including the president,
stated clearly that nothing will hinder deepening relations with
NATO along with being a CSTO and Customs Union member, nothing that
they also think so. It has also been reiterated that Armenia will
continue to participate in the international peacekeeping process,
James Appathurai said.
He also noted that NATO has never had a political objective to expand
towards the post-Soviet space, however it is a political priority
to keep NATO doors open for all the democratic European countries
wishing to affiliate with the alliance.
He noted that affiliation to the alliance remains valid for Georgia.
15:06 18/10/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/politics/view/31130