NATO can't force Turkey to normalize relations with Armenia

NATO intends to develop cooperation with Armenia for implementation of defense reforms provided by the Individual Partnership Action Plan. The Armenian National Security Strategy is a good basis for it. Army reorganization is one of the four key provisions of the IPAP. We intend to assist Armenia in elaboration and execution of the strategic defense doctrine including the manpower policy, increase of the number of civil personnel in the Defense Ministry as well as budget fixing. NATO will also proceed with political cooperation. Relations between Armenia and NATO are friendly and fruitful. The annual report records positive tendencies in the IPAP implementation.

As you know, Armenia doesn't have an intention to join NATO. The Alliance has numerously stated that participation in the IPAP doesn't imply accession to the organization. The countries, which are planning to join NATO, such as Ukraine and Georgia, will have a different scheme. As to Georgia, it should normalize relations with the neighbor states, including Russia. We do not intend to involve in confrontation. Our tasks are different. The Alliance tends to enlargement. However, accession is a long process. We are holding intensified dialogue with Georgia. The Alliance intends to extend invitations to countries that meet NATO standards to join NATO at the next Summit, in 2008.

As regards Azerbaijan, the state has not announced intention to join NATO so far.

I have not heard of the statement, but Turkey will hardly take such a step. Turkey is a member of the Alliance and its policy doesn't conflict with its aims and objectives.

As I have already said, all NATO member states should have good relations with neighbors. Turkey and Armenia should themselves normalize relations. The Alliance can't exercise push and pressure policy. Turkey is a NATO member country; Armenia participates in NATO programs. Our organization can't influence on relations between the two states. I am hopeful that Armenia and Turkey will normalize relations what will result in opening of the border.

We are disappointed and concerned about Russia's decision to one-sidedly suspend the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe. The members of the Alliance are hopeful that Russia will join the constructive dialogue to promote cooperation. We should proceed with talks and hope that Russia will reconsider its decision.