Zbignew Rybatsky: RA-Turkish Protocols to change Armenia's perception of NATO

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia and NATO have developed a positive atmosphere of cooperation, Zbignew Rybatsky, NATO representative for South Caucasus, announced in Yerevan. At the same time, he expressed belief that Armenia, as one of post-Soviet countries, has certain stereotypes for NATO, which is to a certain extent conditioned by Russia's attitude to North Atlantic Alliance. Rybatski finds that signing of Protocols on normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties will somehow change Armenia's perception of NATO.



Armenia's membership, he said, depends on Armenian authorities' decision. Once there is relevant impulse by Armenia, the issue will be put to discussion. But there are also problems related to reform processes, such as Georgia's recent statement on including country's NATO membership in its foreign policy agenda and Armenia's refusal to do so. "We do respect such decision, as well as the fact that Russia is your strategic partner. But we are also cooperating with Armenia. NATO's cooperation with partners and implementation of various programs contributes to stability on global and regional level," Rybatsky noted.



When asked by journalists whether NATO peacekeepers' dislocation from Karabakh conflict zone was possible, he said Alliance was not involved in South Caucasus conflicts but was interested in peaceful conflict settlement.