Armenia not to take part in military operations in Iraq – minister
By Tigran Liloyan
ITAR-TASS News Agency
October 12, 2004 Tuesday
YEREVAN, October 12 — Armenia will not send servicemen to Iraq. “It
did not and will not take part in military operations” in that country,
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan told the public television.
“It is a matter of a humanitarian action, not a military one,” he
said, referring to the Armenian intention to send medics, sappers
and drivers to Iraq.
In contrast to other regional countries, Armenia did not welcome
the operation in Iraq from the very beginning, the minister said.
“Humanitarian participation is quite a different thing, and it can
be discussed in light of the interests of the Armenian community and
the people of Iraq,” he said.
Armenia is fighting against international terrorism through affiliation
to international conventions, strengthening of borders and prevention
of terrorists’ transit via its territory, Oskanyan said.