Smooth crossing of safe border: the implementation of the new strategy will ensure this slogan

27 / 09 / 2010

“Border security provision and integrated border management strategy was discussed and approved at a sitting of the National Security Council, convened on the 25th of September,” the Secretary of the National Security Council Artur Baghdasaryan said in a briefing with journalists on the 27th of September.

According to the Secretary, the adoption of the document is of utmost importance in terms of security provision of the Republic of Armenia, improvement of the state border management system, modernization of border infrastructures and investment of new techniques and technologies. “The Strategy has been developed in view of the potential of all interested agencies, the document passed international tests, and we thoroughly considered the recommendations and proposals of relevant experts from UN, EU and the Russian Federation. I am certain that the adoption of the strategy will raise the reforms in this sphere to a qualitatively new level. The main slogan of the strategy is “smooth crossing of secure border.” Border services, the Police, Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Customs service are involved in state integrated border management. It was necessary to analyze the functions of each in this process on one hand and to invest the “one-stop-shop” principle on the other hand, which will ensure transportation of goods and vehicles and movement of people, both our citizens and guests without bureaucracy.”

The document is of key importance in terms of border security also. All possible threats and challenges related to Armenia-Iran, Armenia-Turkey, Armenia-Georgia, Armenia-Azerbaijan interstate border are thoroughly analyzed, and the ways to address these challenges have been identified in line with international practice.

“In the framework of cooperation with the European Union the technical re-equipment of Bagratashen border crossing point will start this year, and a serious project aimed at modernization of border infrastructures at all levels of the state border will as well be developed. Most probably, in the end of the year we will be able to start implementation of activities with concrete financing in order to solve existing issues in stages,” Artur Baghdasaryan said.

At the NSC sitting the President of the Republic issued instructions to develop a strategy action plan and a timetable for implementation in two months’ time.

Artur Baghdasaryan also made reference to issues related to recent intensification of Armenia’s cooperation in the framework of the CSTO. “After the non-official summit of the Presidents of CSTO countries in Armenia we have undertaken to formulate rapid reaction system for crisis situations. Most probably, the related documents package will be approved during CSTO December session, and we will have the opportunity to use the potential of the member countries in times of crisis or war or in any dangerous situation in general.”

Artur Baghdasaryan attached importance to enhancement of cooperation in the military-industrial field between Armenia and Russia. The signing of a number of important documents in the framework of the RF President visit aimed at developing military-industrial complex in Armenia will be followed by establishment of joint enterprises with several major companies of the RF military-industrial complex.

Military-industrial cooperation will be enhanced with other CSTO member states also.

In addition, Artur Baghdasaryan informed the journalists that the website of the National Security Council and its Staff will from now on be available at www.nsc.am.