June 2, 2005 - 12:36 AMT
HAGEL: ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES MADE MUCH PROGRESS DUE TO REFORMS
Today Secretary of the National Security Council, Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan met with US Senator Charles Hagel. US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans and US European Command Deputy Commander, general Charles Wald were also present at the meeting, reported Press Secretary of the MOD of Armenia, colonel Seyran Shahsuvaryan. Speaking of the US-Armenia relations, Mr. Sargsyan noted active development of bilateral cooperation. In his words, the US-Armenian military cooperation has significantly expanded as compared to that three years ago. The same is true of the cooperation with the NATO, the Minister noted. Senator Hagel thanked S. Sargsyan for Armenia's efforts in struggle against international terrorism and noted Armenian Armed Forces made much progress today due to reforms and development of democratic institutions. Touching upon the Karabakh settlement issue, S. Sargsyan noted, «We are sure that the problem can be solved only peacefully and the OSCE Minsk Group has an important role in the process.»