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THE PRICE OF ARMENIAN-AMERICAN RELATIONSHIPS OR ARMENIAN PEACEMAKERS LEFT FOR IRAQ

Politics

“The situation in Iraq is difficult and sending a group there was not an easy decision”, said the ambassador of the USA John Evans at the airport after seeing off the Armenian forces to Iraq. He stated that the US government approves of the RA government's decision to send a non-military subdivision as it will contribute to the maintenance of stability and democracy in Iraq.

In his address minister of defense Serge Sarghissian said that Armenians who have experienced war can better empathize with the situation of a people at war. “The Armenian people have always received help from the international community during critical moments. Today it is our turn to lend a hand to the Iraqi people who are facing the destruction of war. I am sure that rendering help is a dignified action for the Armenian soldier. Of course, all of us dream that there be no need for such missions in any part of the world.”

Serge Sarghissian assured the public that the 46 persons leaving for Iraq are performing a valuable service not only to the friendly people of Iraq, but also to our fatherland by strengthening Armenian military forces and improving their international credo.

When asked about Armenia's expectations for sending people to Iraq, John Evan diplomatically stated that Armenian-American relationships are quite good and from now on will become closer on the issue of security.

Thus, today 30 drivers, 10 mine clearers, 3 doctors and 3 commanders left for Iraq. After a 15-day training in Kuwait they will leave for Iraq. Doctors will leave for Karbala, where there is a multinational hospital, and the others will leave for Al Hilla, 120 km from Baghdad and Al Divania.

A year-long agreement was signed, and in six months, those who left today will return, and 50 new persons will be deployed.

Also, “A1+” Serge Sarghissian says that each soldier's life is insured for 10 thousand dollars.

The promised sums, 1000 dollars plus their salary at home, will be paid from budget means.