November 30, 2006 - 13:39 AMT
Armenia Works for Qualitatively Enhancing Relations with NATO
Armenia views relations with the NATO as an important component of European integration policy, Armenian PM Andranik Margaryan stated in an interview with the Commersant. In his words, development of cooperation with the NATO issues directly from the interests of regional security and Armenia will continue joint programs with the Organization. "We work for qualitatively enhancing the relations with the Alliance. Armenia has always advocated development of regional cooperation within the Partnership for Peace program and supports all NATO steps in that respect," he remarked. The IPAP has had a central role in Armenia-NATO relations since 2004. "At the same time Armenia is a CSTO member and builds its national security system within the framework of that Organization," the PM added. He noted that the desire to join an international organization is the sovereign affair of any state. "In this regard we refer to Georgia's willingness to join the NATO with understanding. It is important not to admit appearance of new dividing lines in our region, where there are many unsolved conflicts. Our position issues exactly from that principle," Margaryan said.