May 23, 2006 - 20:34 AMT
IPAP Takes into Account Interests of Both Parties
Military reforms, guarding frontiers, security are part of the cooperation between the NATO and Armenia and other South Caucasian countries, Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General for the South Caucasus Robert Simmons stated at a news conference in Yerevan. In his words, reforms have not only defense, but also democratic importance. "Armenia should specify its priorities within the IPAP. In that case working will be easier for the NATO, as the Plan takes into account interests of both parties," said the Special Representative of the NATO Secretary General.

Simmons also underscored that each country chooses allies on its own. «If Russian bases are situated in Armenia, as desired by the Government, was cannot object to this. It was different with Georgia - they addressed us for help in withdrawal of Russian themselves and they got the assistance,» Simmons stated. At that he said that the NATO is not entitled to prevent countries from membership in another block, specifically the CSTO.