Aghabekyan: Armenia Proved Its Capacity to Conduct Any High-Level Exercises

PanARMENIAN.Net - The holding of Rescuer 2006 exercises this July will be of huge importance for training Armenian specialists, Armenian MOD deputy head, lieutenant general Artur Aghabekyan stated at the opening of an exercise-planning conference in Yerevan today. In his words, the Armenian party had already appealed to the US European Command a few years ago proposing to conduct exercises of the type in Armenia. In the past Armenia took part in four similar exercises in Georgia, Ukraine and Baltic states. By successful implementation ofCooperative Best Effort-2003 exercises we proved we are able to hold any exercises at that level,» Aghabekyan remarked. Rescuer 2006 is planned to be held on the territory of Military Flying College and other objects in Yerevan.



According to the script, an earthquake has taken place in the country and terrorists are trying to seize the power, impeding rescue works. Rescuers, physicians and representatives of the Armed Forces along with foreign partners have to form multinational detachments. Aghabekyan remarked some 250 officers and specialists from 20 NATO member and partner states will take part in the exercises. In his words, besides the US European Command, the US Central Command and Kansas National Guard will also participate in the event. In his words, similar exercises will simultaneously be held either in Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. The exercises will be coordinated through a liaison center in Moscow. Besides the US European Command, the US Central Command and Kansas National Guard have organized the exercises. He added Armenian representatives will take part in exercises of US detachments in Kansas in March.