No need to look for hair in an egg where there is none

On September 30, CSTO Committee of National Security Council Secretaries convened its session in Brest. The meeting agenda comprised issues on political-military development of CSTO member states, as well as our countries' joint efforts towards combating illegal drug circulation. We submitted rather serious projects which were unanimously accepted by my colleagues and approved by Committee.

Our first proposal concerned intensifying political-military partnership. Heads of all delegations attached special importance to the project, and CSTO Interstate Committee on Military-Economic Cooperation recommended that parties discuss the issue at the next session, as well as prepare a package of proposals introducing the mechanisms of creating joint institutions.

A key question discussed at meeting concerning supplying Collective Rapid Reaction Forces (CRRF) with up-to-date military technology. Armenian side advanced a proposal on elaborating an interstate target program on providing up-to date technology and equipment to military sub-divisions of rapid reaction forces, special services, police subdivisions and ministries of emergency situations,

Let me note that during the CSTO Summit in Moscow, RF President Dmitry Medevedev declared Russia's willingness to provide solution to the issue. That's important for Armenian too, because our military subdivisions also form part of those forces, and that's another good opportunity to re-equip our forces within CSTO frameworks.

Armenian side made proposal for discussing another key issue - training and raising the qualification of CSTO member states' law enforcement bodies and special services. To that end, it is planned to elaborate an interstate target program enabling ministries of defense and emergency situations to retrain RA police and national security staff in the frameworks of CSTO.

Discussions on forming and realizing coordinated information policy in CSTO member states also plays a crucial role. Knowing that Armenia has already elaborated and approved a national security concept, my colleagues expressed desire to study and use our experience.

Both Armenia and Diaspora acknowledge the necessity of RA -Turkey rapprochement. We've repeatedly stated the rapprochement does not stipulate for any preconditions. Recent presidential statement proves it. RA-Turkey border issue will be resolved in accordance with international regulation. This is what Protocols stipulate for.

Should Turkey delay protocols ratification or set new conditions, adequate response will be given. Turkey has to undertake steps to ratify protocols within reasonable terms.

If after what's been said, the public still remains concerned over Protocols contents, nothing remains but repeating: no need to look for hair in an egg where there is none. Protocols were given detail study at National Security Service, all risks were assessed. Parallel to rapprochement, a special program will be developed and corresponding steps undertaken. I'd like to repeat: RA-Turkey rapprochement poses no threats to RA national security .

Moreover, the rapprochement will increase Armenia's presence at South Caucasus. In fact, there are certain relations between Armenia and Turkey: be them tourist visits, or Armenian citizens residing or working in Turkey. Absence of diplomatic relations deprives us of a possibility to defend RA citizens rights and prevents economic infrastructure from further development.

Opening of RA-Turkish border will enable both RA and regional development. We can't be eternal enemies with our neighbors. In isolation circumstances, Armenia suffers billions of dollars' losses and remains in suspense. Absence of diplomatic relations with two neighboring countries out of four poses serious danger to our future.

I have numerously stated that collaboration with NATO is one of constituents of Armenia's security. We collaborate in the framework of Partnership for Peace program as a number of other countries which are not members of the Alliance. The results are promising. The interdepartmental committee fixed progress in all spheres.

Armenia pursues a balanced foreign policy. Russia is our strategic partner and we develop political, military and economic relations. Armenia's presidency in the Collective Security Treaty Organization proved efficient in 2008 and resulted in formation of rapid reaction force.

As to cooperation with NATO, it's a parallel process. CSTO is a military and political bloc and Armenia is a member of it. NATO is our partner but not a strategic ally. We just cooperate.

Armenian National Security Council cooperates with the NSC of Russia and other CSTO member states. We have also established ties with Italian and Polish National Security Council. As to cooperation with Iran, we enjoy partner relations and discuss prospects of bilateral relations. Armenia stands for establishment and development of relations with neighbor states.

I believe, Protocols speak for themselves, they contain no stipulations either or Armenian Genocide or NKR conflict. We've heard a lot of such statements and are used to them. I, as well as RA President and FM, have repeatedly stated that Yerevan's position on the issue remains unchanged. RA-Turkish rapprochement will release strain in the region, which may make a positive impact on the settlement of a number of issues and conflicts in South Caucasus. Still, linking the process to NKR issue is unacceptable to us.

Diaspora is not unified and never was. Many Diaspora representatives support RA-Turkey rapprochement. We understand Diaspora's reaction and respect their opinions. I can assure that we're undertaking steps to dispel Diaspora's and Armenian society's apprehensions.