Armenian army one of most efficient in CIS

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian army is one of the most efficient in the CIS, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on defense, national security and internal affairs Artur Aghbekian said during "Militarization of the South Caucasus" conference.



"Since the end of hostilities in Karabakh in 1994 our army has been the strongest in the region. The efficiency is measured not by the quantity of arms but by the training of the military personnel capable to attack and defend. The Armenian border is well guarded and the army can rebuff any attack," Aghabekian emphasized.



When commenting on the army reforms, Mr Aghabekian said, "The Armenian army should be on alert unless the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is resolved. However, the problem needs a peaceful resolution only."



Mr Aghabekian considers that Armenia doesn't need to anchor hopes on assistance from outside. "We are not going to wait till someone comes and makes our army a modern military unit. Armenia cannot follow the example of Georgia whose peacekeepers are U.S. dependants in Iraq. Azerbaijan is not an example either. Its leadership has sunk in corruption. No modern armament or huge military budget can guarantee an efficient army. Precise military doctrine and well trained personnel is essential for the purpose," Mr Aghabekian said.