Yerevan will actively work for regional security with NATO

PanARMENIAN.Net - "The NATO can play an important role in establishment of peace in the South Caucasus and promote involvement of states of the region in peace dialogue, which coincides with Armenia's efforts and wishes. The matter can be considered within the Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP)," said Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian at the Rose-Roth seminar of the Armenian Parliament and the NATO PA. In his words, official Yerevan has three goals: institutionalization of the dialogue with the NATO over a range of issues, reform of the Armed Forces with application of principle of civil control over the Armed Forces, as well as Armenia's participation in peacekeeping missions under the NATO auspices. These goals can be attained with NATO support, V. Oskanian added. Speaking of the Armenian-Turkish relations and the launching of the Ankara-EU talks, V. Oskanian stated that Armenia hopes Turkey will bridge Europe and South Caucasus. "Turkey does not fulfill these expectations and displays unbalance approach to the states of the region," the FM remarked. "Armenia approaches regional security issues with much responsibility. We will actively work with the NATO in this respect, as a multi-level security system is necessary and this is a strategic issue," the Armenian FM said. In his words, the fact that Armenia is CSTO member and Russian troops are situated on its territory does not hamper official Yerevan's active cooperation with the NATO.