Kiro Manoian: Armenia to Withdraw Peacekeepers from Iraq Sooner or Later

PanARMENIAN.Net - "The American-Iranian relations can normalize if Iran contributes to stability and order in Iraq," ARF Bureau's Hay Dat and Political Office Director Kiro Manoian told a news conference in Yerevan today. In his words, the relations will not be good but at least the tension in the region will alleviate and this will have a positive impact on Armenia.



As for the withdrawal of Armenian peacekeepers from Iraq, Manoian said this is a matter of time. "Taking into account that the U.S.'s closest allies, the UK for example, are withdrawing their contingent from Iraq, Armenia will sooner or later follow their example," he underscored adding that Armenian battalion will leave Iraq no sooner than in 12-18 months. "The ARF Dashnaktsutyun always stood against the sending of Armenian servicemen to Iraq proceeding from our interests in the Arab states. However, over some reasons Armenian peacekeepers were sent to Iraq," he said.