VAGHARSHAK HARUTYUNYAN ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS
Support A1+!On occasion of visit by Joseph Ralston, Commander-in-Chief of Europe’ Allied Forces and Commander of USA Armed Forces in Europe, Lieutenant – General Vagharshak Harutyunyan, former Defence Minister answers our questions.
“How do You assess closing in of relations with NATO?”
“We implement the agreement concluded with NATO - “Cooperation for Peace” . We have signed it and we must collaborate. On the other hand we are the members of the collective security arrangement. Under the regulations of the arrangement, presence of Armed Forces of other countries or allocation of structures is to be agreed with countries which are the members of collective security arrangement . I think, 2 treaties must not run counter to each other and we must fulfil completely all the arrangement s we have signed” .
What do You think, does the mine clearing centre, located in Echmiadzin in the framework of “Cooperation for Peace” program, contradict CIS collective security arrangement?
“According to the arrangement regulations, the centre location is to be agreed with CIS countries which are the members of the treaty.”
“NATO will carry out exercises in Armenia next year. Turkey may participate in them, too. How do you treat the fact?”
“I don’t think it advisable participation of the country Armenia has no diplomatic relations with. Besides, Turkey keeps Armenia in blockade, It’s a part of conflict, an anti-Armenian action” .
