NSC Secretary Arthur Baghdasaryan received James Appathurai

29 / 06 / 2011

Secretary of the National Security Council Arthur Baghdasaryan received a delegation led by NATO Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai. The two sides noted that the Armenia-NATO partnership is developing effectively and referred to the fact of the Armenian armed forces stationed in Afghanistan. Artur Baghdasaryan informed that within the framework of the Armenia-NATO IPAP there is an active inter-departmental committee on Armenia-NATO cooperation, which coordinates Armenia's cooperation with NATO through regular meetings and discussions. The parties expressed satisfaction with the current level of relations, while stressing the need to deepen cooperation in a number of specific areas.
In particular, Arthur Baghdasaryan outlined the area of emergency situations, where the government has decided to set up a crisis management center as part of the ongoing reforms, and plans to introduce a European 211 or US 911 rapid response system. In this context, Arthur Baghdasaryan attached importance to the deepening of further cooperation with NATO in the form of expert and technical support, which will contribute to the efficiency of the further operation of these systems. In addition, Arthur Baghdasaryan informed that a police reform program is being developed and effectively implemented in Armenia in close cooperation with the European Union and the OSCE, but there are opportunities for cooperation with NATO in specific areas: in the areas of cyber-terrorism and organized crime. He noted that according to international experts, a national program to combat cyber terrorism has already been developed.
The high-level guest expressed his satisfaction with the current state of Armenia-NATO cooperation, highlighting the specific directions for deepening cooperation during the meeting. He undertook to submit recommendations immediately after the meeting to the departments responsible for the protection of civilian populations in emergencies, to develop specific mechanisms for cooperation, as well as to make recommendations on the implementation of a strategy to combat terrorism.
He also noted that NATO's approaches to cyber security and issues of further interaction with partners in this area are important.
During the discussion of regional issues Artur Baghdasaryan presented Armenia's position on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict as unacceptable and non-constructive. Noting that Armenia, considering the military way unacceptable, is unequivocally in favor of a negotiated settlement and a mutually acceptable compromise.
In spite of its historical past, Armenia has found itself at the negotiating table for the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations, while Turkey continues its non-constructive policy by freezing the ratification of the protocols signed to normalize relations.
Moreover, with the existence of an active Armenia-Turkey railway, our neighboring country invests millions of dollars in the construction of Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia another railway bypassing Armenia, which is a vivid proof of the above.
However, prioritizing regional peace and normalizing relations with its neighbors, Armenia remains committed to its constructive approaches and openin its statements.
NSC Press Office