NATO is satisfied by the realization process of IPAP program by the Armenian side

On the one hand, the idea of NATO-Armenia Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) aims at conducting NATO's policy in the region. From the other hand, we assist the country in democratic and military reforms. From the political viewpoint it aims at establishment of democratic civil society, rule of law, reforms in the sphere of state governance. From the military point of view our goal is to reform the army bringing it closer to international standards and provide security systems. In this regard I want to underline, that Armenia has reached real progress in realization of IPAP. Generally the leadership of the Alliance is satisfied by the already reached results and interim reports of NATO experts, who visit the country, proof it. Naturally, it is impossible to realize the whole volume of the program during several months, but I am sure within the next few years all points fixed in IPAP will be fulfilled.

There is no notion of associate membership in NATO like in the EU. Here neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan is viewed as potential member-states to NATO. Cooperation with these countries is limited to their participation in various programs. Like IPAP or "Partnership For Peace" program. Also exists a dialog with Armenia in 26+1 format. Once more I must stress, NATO does not hold talks with Azerbaijan over its membership to the Alliance. Azerbaijan like Armenia rather successfully cooperates with the Alliance in the IPAP framework; NATO-Armenia and NATO-Azerbaijan relations are limited to that cooperation. Azerbaijan's membership to NATO is not quite compulsory. As to Armenia, she has not appealed for membership to NATO too.

The issue of opening the Armenian-Turkish border is outside NATO's competence, it is up to them to decide. Of course we are for opening the borders, but we think that we should not interfere into the relations of two countries. The Alliance only welcomes steps aimed at cooperation and dialog in the region, as well as providing security for the states of the Southern Caucasus.

The settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is in the competence of OSCE Minsk Group. NATO is not directly dealing with the Nagorno Karabakh problem, but we carefully watch the developments of negotiation process. The Alliance is for peaceful solution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. I must also underline that we appreciate Armenia for the information about Nagorno Karabakh she provides us in the IPAP framework.