Sargsyan Awarded Medals to Peacekeepers, Who Took Part in Humanitarian Mission in Iraq

PanARMENIAN.Net - October 11 Secretary of the National Security Council at the President of Armenia, Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan awarded Andranik Ozanyan, Vazgen Sargsyan medals, diplomas and memorable gifts to first group of Armenian peacekeepers, who took part in the humanitarian mission in Iraq. Addressing the servicemen, the Armenian MOD head expressed gratitude for successful fulfillment of the military mission, which was a hard one in his words. "You promoted enhancement of our country's authority in the world. Working for integration into Europe, we cannot stay indifferent towards international community's problems, just like the community cannot be indifferent towards ours. Thus we have a mission in Kosovo and Iraq," he remarked.



In a conversation with journalists S. Sargsyan appreciated the professionalism of the Armenian peacekeepers. "Undoubtedly, being in another country our soldier defends the security of our lands. We protect their security, acting for the sake of their interests, while they do the same for the sake of ours. We should not forget that the cease-fire in Nagorno Karabakh is secured not only by our army, but also owing to our allied states," he emphasized. S. Sargsyan also informed that the Armenian MOD "to all appearance will address the NA requesting to consider expediency of sending third and fourth shifts of Armenian peacekeepers to Iraq."



It should be noted that representatives of Armenia serve in Iraq as part of the Polish peacekeeping division. The US Government covers the expenses of dislocation, rear, communication, technical and medical equipment of the Armenian humanitarian contingent. The first shift of Armenian peacekeepers was sent in Iraq January 18. The first rotation of the contingent took place six months after that. To continue the mission Armenian Parliament's agreement is necessary. The Armenian contingent includes medical officers, sappers and drivers. Armenia does not have military tasks and limits itself to the humanitarian component of the peacekeeping mission in Iraq, reported IA Regnum.