Author: Badalian Vardan

Davit Tonoyan: “Armenian-U.S. defense cooperation grows impressively”

Mediamax
Aug 9, 2011
Armenia

Exclusive Interview of the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the
Republic of Armenia Davit Tonoyan to Mediamax Agency

– On July 18-21, the delegation headed by you took part in
Armenian-U.S. defense consultations in Washington D.C., during which
the sides agreed to expand the spheres of cooperation. Tell us about
these spheres, please.

– During the recent consultations we mainly focused on Armenian defense
reforms and development of Armenian Armed Forces, aiming to clarify
with our American colleagues the USA’s possible assistance to these
processes. We particularly discussed defense policy of the Republic
of Armenia, the implementation of plans aimed at the development of
Armenian Armed Forces based on the results of Armenia’s Strategic
Defense Review (SDR), human resource management, professional military
education, development of professional NCO corps, export control of
military goods, issues related to humanitarian demining, as well as
some programs of public and cultural interest.

Besides, we also touched upon such issues as the effective use of
the assistance rendered by the United States and US capabilities in
the development of Armenian peacekeeping capabilities, including the
organization of both bilateral and multilateral combined exercises.

– Where, when and in what framework will the exercises be held?

– It has been already 10 years that the Armenian and the U.S. military
have been conducting combined military exercises in the spheres
of peacekeeping, communications, military medicine and emergency
response. Small-scale training activities have been also held. We
should also keep in mind the combined activities and liaison of
Armenian and U.S. military during the operations in Iraq, Kosovo
and Afghanistan.

However, all this was done mainly on multilateral basis, through
multinational operations and exercises. As for the possibility of
holding bilateral Armenian-U.S. exercise, yes, this issue has been
discussed. However, taking into consideration the fact that NATO/PfP
Live and Command Post Exercises have been restored since this year,
the urgency of holding bilateral Armenian-U.S. exercise for training
purposes of our peacekeepers decreases, but the issue remains on the
agenda of further Armenian-U.S. consultations.

The Armenian Ministry of Defense has big experience in organizing
and holding multilateral exercises.

– Can we say that the Armenian-U.S. defense cooperation is moving
from the incipient stage to comprehensive cooperation?

– The Armenian-U.S. defense cooperation has indeed grown impressively
over last years. Among the achievements of Armenian-U.S. defense
cooperation in 2010-2011 we can mention the process of SDR and the
beginning of implementation of the development plan worked out as a
result of the SDR as well as the three-fold expansion of the Armenian
contingent participating in ISAF mission, taking into account the
fact that the Armenian military who have been trained with the U.S.

assistance forms the contingents participating in international
peacekeeping operations.

– The session of the North Atlantic Council in 28+1 format (NATO
members +Armenia) was held in Brussels on July 27, as a result of
which the renewed Individual Partnership Action Plan was discussed.

Receiving the Special Representative of NATO Secretary General in
Yerevan in late June, Armenian President expressed the hope that the
renewed IPAP will allow bringing the cooperation to a new quality
level. Which are the main changes of IPAP for the Armenian Defense
Ministry?

– Let me clarify that the session attended by the Armenian Ministers
of Defense and Foreign Affairs, focused not on the renewed IPAP but
on the Assessment Report of the previous IPAP, which gives grounds to
launch the process of approval of the renewed IPAP. I think it will
be approved by the end of this year when all NATO allies approve the
renewed IPAP worked out by joint efforts of experts from Armenia and
NATO International Staff.

As for the content of the new IPAP, its biggest and principal
difference is that the previous ones were mainly directed to the
conduct of the SDR process, whereas the new program mainly aims at
the realization of results of the Review.

Besides, together with previous spheres the new IPAP includes such
areas as the study of capabilities for improving battle training
programs for various types of Armenian Armed Forces, cooperation in
military-industrial sphere, as well as the study of NATO member
states’ armament and military equipment the codification and
standardization system aimed at the development of future defense
industrial cooperation with them.

– During meetings in USA and Brussels you have discussed the issue of
improving the peacekeeping capabilities of the Armenian Peacekeeping
Forces. At what stage of readiness are our peacekeepers today and
what are the problems that still need to be solved?

– Today, the 12th peacekeeping brigade of the Armenian Armed Forces
has two fully equipped infantry battalions and can provide about two
companies for operations by rotation principle. Today, on the whole
161 servicemen of the brigade are permanently deployed in the theatres
of multinational operations: 126 in Afghanistan, and 35 – in Kosovo.

The third battalion of the brigade is being formed now.

Within the framework of developing the brigade (the process will be
completed in 2015), we focus our efforts on the development of its
logistics capabilities and equipment. In this process not secondary
attention is paid also to the constant training, re-training and
eventual assessment of the brigade’s manpower.

An engineer battalion has recently joined Armenian peacekeeping forces,
which was also declared in the PfP pool of forces in the framework
of Operational Capabilities Concept, so we are planning to carry out
combat readiness evaluations for this unit as well.

– You have recently met with your Russian colleagues. Unlike the
Armenian-U.S. military ties, the Armenian-Russian defense cooperation
has a rich history and the sides seem to understand each other better.

What issues have been discussed in Moscow?

– The Armenian-Russian defense cooperation has indeed a rich history
and traditions and involves wider spectrum of defense cooperation
than with other countries.

While in Moscow I have hold meetings with CSTO Secretariat’s leadership
and my colleagues from the Russian Defense Ministry. During my meetings
in CSTO we discussed a number of issues such as: the establishment
of organization’s Military Committee, improvement of Combined Joint
Staff activities, as well as the involvement of observers from various
international organizations and countries in future military exercises
to be carried out with the framework CSTO Rapid Reaction Collective
Forces and Armenian-Russian Combined Task Force, which will ensure
necessary transparency and will be considered as a confidence building
measure in the region thus reinforcing the image of the CSTO as an
organization ensuring the regional security.

As for the meetings with our colleagues from the Russian Defense
Ministry, they were devoted to the discussion of such issues as the
coordination of Armenian and Russian defense ministries’ positions
on the future of international arms control arrangements, regional
security, optimization of the Russian 102nd military base in Armenia
and re-deployment and modernization of its units.

– There is an opinion that Russia attaches rather “symbolic” than
combative importance to its military base in Armenia. What can you
say in this regard? I suppose the issue of the base has also been
discussed.

– I think this is the case when we shouldn’t seek for some hidden or
other meanings. The presence of the Russian military base in Armenia
has always been conditioned by the political-military interests of the
two countries. According to the agreement on the extension of terms of
deployment of the Russian military base in Armenia signed last year,
the 102nd base also undertook the commitment to support Armenia’s
security. Thus, it’s not a secret that the Russian military base is
the indivisible part of Armenia’s security system, which is set in
a number of conceptual documents of the Republic of Armenia such as
the National Security Strategy, Military Doctrine.

– The Russian Defense Minister has recently visited Azerbaijan to
discuss the future of Gabala Station. Does Armenia have a position
about the operation of the station and possible change of its status?

– The exploitation of Gabala radiolocation station has a definite
importance for the Russian Federation. During the Soviet times it was
part of the missile defense system and now it allows Russian Armed
Forces to control the air picture in the region and prevent missile
attacks. Taking into account the Armenian-Russian allied ties, we
don’t consider the exploitation of Gabala base by Russia as running
counter to Armenia’s security interests. On the contrary, I believe
the more our strategic ally and other partner states get involved in
the security and, why not, in the military spheres of our neighboring
country, the more it will facilitate the security of the entire region.

THE PRINCIPLES THE SETTLEMENT IS VIEWED TO BE BASED ON, COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LEGAL NORMS AND COMMON SENSE, ILHAM ALIYEV BELIEVES

Mediamax
Aug 9, 2011
Armenia

Yerevan/Mediamax/. The meeting of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev
and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is held in Sochi today.

As the Russian presidential press service reports, the parties are
discussing the status of the negotiation process on Nagorno-Karabakh
settlement apart from other issues.

The Russian President stated before the meeting, that he would like to
speak to his Azerbaijani counterpart quite frankly on what to do next,
“how the developments may unfold subject to our recent joint meeting
held in Kazan and previous meetings in that format”.

“Indeed, the settlement of regional problems is of great importance
to us, as we are close countries, we are neighbors and we are very
close friends and partners. In fact, the way the whole region, our
countries and our peoples feel is dependant on how the situation in our
region evolves. That’s why I would like to consult on these issues”,
stated Dmitri Medvedev.

In his turn, Ilham Aliyev said that he would like to express his
gratitude towards Russian President once again for his efforts on
settling Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

“We highly assess your personal involvement in this process in
Azerbaijan. Indeed, the rounds of talks held in trilateral format
brought the sides’ positions together.

This is the main problem of the regional security, and Azerbaijan
is certainly interested in the immediate settlement of the conflict
more than ever, so as all the displaced people could return to the
places of their residence, so that there is peace, tranquility and
cooperation in the region.

Indeed, the principles on which the settlement is viewed to be based,
comply with international legal norms and common sense. That’s why
the immediate settlement of the conflict is in the interests of all
the countries”, stated Ilham Aliyev.

MEDVEDEV, ALIYEV DISCUSS NAGORNO-KARABAKH, BILATERAL TIES

Press TV
Aug 9, 2011
Iran

Trying to re-launch the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement.

With this aim the Azerbaijani and Russian presidents met in Sochi.

Ilham Aliyev arrived there at the invitation of Dmitry Medvedev.

Aliyev thanked Medvedev for his efforts in mediating the conflict
and said he is keen to come to terms with Armenia.

Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan to join Armenia in
late 1980s.

A military conflict erupted leaving 30,000 people dead on both sides.

The disputed region has been under Armenian control but is
internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan.

The OSCE Minsk group made up of Russia, France and the US mediated
the conflict for years without success.

Moscow has made an effort to break the deadlock in talks between the
conflicting sides.

The leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia held nine trilateral
summits since 2008.

The last such meeting took place in Kazan in July.

Despite expectations, it failed to produce a roadmap document for
further settling the conflict.

Medvedev and Aliyev also discussed the relations between their
countries, international issues, the legal status of the Caspian Sea.

Watch video at

400 IRANIAN-ARMENIANS IN YEREVAN TO PARTAKE IN PAN-ARMENIAN GAMES

ARMENPRESS
August 9, 2011
YEREVAN

The Armenian community to Iran has always been active in the
Pan-Armenian Games. This year over 400 Iranian-Armenian sports
practitioners arrived in Yerevan to partake in the Games, according
to Odette Aghajanyan, coordinator of the Armenian sports delegation
from Iran.

“It would be better if the Pan-Armenian Games, which are amateur games,
became more professional. It would be more useful and interesting,”
she said.

MEETING WITH PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV

Kremlin.ru

Aug 9, 2011
Russia

Medvedev and Ilham Aliyev exchanged views on key aspects of
Russian-Azerbaijani relations, as well as regional issues, in
particular the Nagorno Karabakh peace talks.

The agenda of the talks includes the results of the Russian President’s
official visit to Azerbaijan in September 2010, in particular the
implementation of economic, trade, energy, investment and banking
agreements, as well as the legal status of the Caspian Sea, the
implementation of decisions adopted at the third Caspian Summit,
which took place in Baku in November 2010, and humanitarian ties.

Ilham Aliyev arrived in Sochi on a working visit at Dmitry Medvedev’s
invitation.

* * *

PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA DMITRY MEDVEDEV: Mr Aliyev, it is a pleasure to
welcome you in Sochi.

This is a good place to discuss the current state of bilateral
relations, the regional agenda, and to have a look at international
issues, which have been keeping us on our toes: the global financial
system is experiencing new economic problems, which is not an easy
topic.

To begin with, I would like us to focus on the progress made in the
bilateral dialogue between our states. In my opinion, it is developing
really very well. A great deal has been achieved in recent months:
fundamental agreements outlining the main areas of cooperation in the
coming years have been signed, bilateral trade has grown and there is
a number of major projects. However, there are some issues on which
we need to exchange views or clarify our positions.

One of the most important subjects is the Nagorno Karabakh settlement.

Here I would like to conduct an absolutely frank conversation with
you about our future steps and ways in which events can unfold in
the light of our last trilateral meeting, which took place in Kazan,
and our previous meetings in this format.

It is truly important for us to find solutions to regional problems
because we are close neighbours, friends and partners. The way the
situation in the region will evolve will determine the wellbeing of
the entire region, our countries and our peoples. That is why I would
like us to exchange views on these issues.

I am glad to welcome you.

PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV: Thank you, Mr Medvedev.

Thank you for the invitation. I am very happy to meet with you again
in Sochi, this time in the summer. Our meetings usually take place in
the winter, so I am pleased to have this opportunity to visit Sochi
in the summer and, most importantly, to meet with you and discuss
the issues you have mentioned.

Our agenda is very extensive. Nearly all matters of the bilateral
format have been resolved, and the agreements you mentioned earlier
are a culmination of the past years’ efforts and reflect the form,
spirit and character of our relations, which are a friendly,
neighbourly partnership.

If we look at the bilateral agenda, we can see positive changes and
constructive trends across the board. Political consultations are held
regularly, including at the highest level. Political interaction is
also contributing to the development of regional cooperation.

In the economic sphere there is a marked increase in trade and an
improvement in its structure, as well as prospects for future growth.

I also note positive trends in humanitarian cooperation, energy
security and in many other areas. Today we can state with satisfaction
that our relations are developing very positively and dynamically.

We are neighbours, two Caspian states, two Caucasus states, and the
way various processes in the region will develop largely depends on
our interaction.

I would like to thank you once again for your efforts to resolve
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan. We highly appreciate your personal involvement in this
process. The rounds of trilateral talks that have been held have
helped to bring the positions of the parties closer.

This is the main problem of regional security and Azerbaijan is
interested to a greater extent than anyone else in an early settlement
of the conflict, so that all displaced persons can return to their
homes and peace, tranquility and cooperation are restored in the
region.

The principles on which the settlement may be based reflect
international legal norms and common sense. Therefore, an early
settlement of the conflict is in the interests of all states.

Once again, I would like to thank you personally for your efforts
and for the positive potential that we have built up over the recent
years and which has brought our countries closer, as well as for the
invitation to visit the beautiful city of Sochi in such good weather.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION PRESENTS ARGUMENTS FOR SNAP ELECTIONS TO RULING COALITION

news.am
Aug 9, 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. – The delegation of the oppositional Armenian National
Congress (ANC) presented the arguments in favor of snap parliamentary
and presidential elections to the ruling coalition, ANC coordinator
Levon Zurabyan told reporters on Tuesday, following a regular round
of talks between the ANC and the ruling coalition. He recalled the
dialogue started with this issue on the agenda.

According to him, the need for early elections is dictated by legal
and political illegitimacy of the incumbent authorities.

“This system was formed due to widespread violations during the
elections. The authorities even used force against own people,
violating the Constitution,” he added.

He emphasized that the ANC presented the list of 76 Armenian MPs who
are engaged in business, which is a violation of constitution either.

The talks between the Armenian National Congress and the authorities
last for five hours.

SOME YEREVAN STREETS TO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AHEAD OF PAN-ARMENIAN GAMES OPENING CEREMONY

Panorama
Aug 9, 2011
Armenia

Some streets in Yerevan will be closed to traffic on August 13 when
Yerevan will host the opening ceremony of the Fifth Pan-Armenian Games,
head of the Road Traffic Police, Norik Sargsyan told reporters.

The following streets will be closed on that day, from 17:00 to 24:00:
Alek Manukian, Sayat-Nova, Vardanants, Charents, Nar-Dos, Khorenatsi,
Y. Kochar, Tigran Mets, Khanjian.

Car parking will be also banned in the above mentioned streets,
according to the official.

RUSSIAN AND AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENTS MEET IN SOCHI

APA
Aug 9, 2011
Azerbaijan

Dmitry Medvedev: Of course, one of the most important issues is the
resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict

Baku. Habil Suleymanzadeh – APA. Azerbaijani and Russian presidents
Ilham Aliyev and Dmitry Medvedev are meeting in Sochi. APA reports
quoting RIA Novosti that the enhancement of the bilateral relations,
resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, economic issues are being
discussed at the meeting. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had
told journalists before the meeting that the main attention would be
focused on the ways of the resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

“Of course, one of the most important issues is the resolution of
Nagorno Karabakh conflict. I would like to have sincere talk. What
should we do? How will be the developments taking into account
trilateral talks in Kazan and the previous contacts?”

Dmitry Medvedev offered Ilham Aliyev to exchange views on bilateral,
regional and international issues.

COMPULSORY CAR INSURANCE AFFECTS STATISTICS OF ACCIDENTS IN ARMENIA – POLICE

news.am
Aug 9, 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. – Armenia registered 1,206 car accidents, as of August 8 this
year. As a result, 156 people died, 1,794 were injured, head of Traffic
Police, Colonel Norik Sargsyan told at a press conference on Tuesday.

The number of registered accidents exceeds same period of last year
by 166. The number of victims killed in the accidents is larger by
8 compared to 2010, and the number of injured is up by 388 compared
to same period of 2010.

However, there is no need to worry, as the increase is conditioned
with the installment of the compulsory car insurance, says the
colonel. Besides, currently the number of cars is by 15,428 more in
Armenia, compared to last year. There are a total of 400,000 cars
in Armenia. In case the tendency is preserved, the number of people
killed in car accidents will reach 250 at the end of the year.

OVER 336 THOUSAND ARMENIANS VISITED GEORGIA THIS YEAR

news.am
Aug 9, 2011
YEREVAN

Over the recent seven months, 336,326 Armenian citizens visited
neighboring Georgia.

Overall 1,444,299 tourists, visited Georgia in Jan.-July 2011, a 45%
increase as compared with the last year.

481,501 visitors came from the European countries, 33% of the total
number against 39% last year, Georgia’s National Tourism Agency
informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The number of tourists from the CIS states in Jan.-July 2011 increased
by 46% (897, 616) as compared with last year.

The number of visitors from U.S. reached 15,360, from Asia 42,917,
and 958 visited Georgia from Africa.