Interfax, Russia
Dec 3 2009

Armenian peacekeepers to go to Afghanistan in February 2010

YEREVAN Dec 3

Armenian servicemen will go to Afghanistan in February 2012, Armenian
peacekeeping brigade commander Col. Artur Simonian said in Yerevan on
Thursday.

"Armenian peacekeepers will soon have a familiarizing visit to
Afghanistan. Forty peacekeepers will visit Germany for training in
January. The Armenian servicemen will go to Afghanistan in February,
together with a German unit," he said.

The Armenian servicemen will spend about six months in Afghanistan,
and the personnel will be rotated, he said.

Washington expects Armenian support to peacekeeping operations, U.S.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Celesta Wollander said in
Yerevan.

U.S. President Barack Obama decided to enlarge the peacekeeping force
in Afghanistan, she said, adding that they viewed Armenia as an
important partner and expected its support.