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The delegation group representing the public and political circles of Armenia, which was invited to NATO – Brussels, within the framework of the Public Diplomacy Project, returned to Yerevan. 

The delegation of 15 consisted of representatives from different Armenian political parties; including ARF and ANC, the public sector, namely the head of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor, as well as political scientists, and journalists.

The issue of the reforms conducted within the framework of Armenia –the NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan was discussed during the visit. The Armenian Delegation met with the leaders and employees of the departments of Public Diplomacy, Political Affairs, and Security Policy and Emerging Security Challenges Division, as well as the head of the Armenian mission to NATO, Ambassador, Armen Yeghiazaryan.

The issue ofreforms conducted in the armed forces was specifically touched upon during the discussion and interviews. The representatives of NATO emphasized that the Armenian Authorities have adopted the course of bringing the armed forces in line with the criteria of the NorthAtlantic Alliance and stated that Armenia should be consistent in conforming to those criteria. Despina Afentouli, Caucasus Regional Coordinator, Public Diplomacy Division of NATO, told the Armenian Delegation that they are pleased with the progress of reforms adopted by Armenia.

Presenting their impressions of the reforms in the RA Armed Forces, the membersof the delegation voiced concernsover the existence of corruption in the army, the non-combat deaths, and engaging the army in the intimidation of peaceful protestors in Yerevan on March 1st, after the 2008 presidential elections, which resulted in the death of 10 citizens.

NATO representatives expressed their hope that the abovementioned phenomena would disappear as a result of the implemented reforms.

The participants also discussed issues regarding the conflicts in the South Caucasus, including the membership to various security systems for avoiding possible threats. As you know, unlike Georgia which has rejected the membership to the CSTO (The Collective Security TreatyOrganization) and has taken a course of joining NATO, Armenia has adopted a course of complementarism: being a member of the CSTO, the RA closely cooperates with NATO, and implements a series of projects, of which the most established is the peacekeeping activity of the RA Armed Forces within the International Security AssistanceForces, which received a high assessment from the NATO military and political administration. 

NATO representatives voiced an opinion that the membership of Georgia to NATO is inevitable; it is simply a matter of time. As to our country, according to NATO representatives, the Armenian People should decide for themselves which security system they are choosing.

Source: www.a1plus.am