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ARMENIA'S NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OUTLINED BY MINISTER
Yerkir website, Yerevan
22 Mar 06
An Armenian newspaper published a national security strategy on 22
March. The strategy, which is now being discussed by parliament,
was outlined in a wide-ranging address to senior commanders by the
defence minister in February. The minister said that relations with
Russia are "the cornerstone of Armenia's security". He also talked
about relations with Iran, NATO, the USA, Turkey and Azerbaijan. The
following is an excerpt from report by the Armenian newspaper Yerkir
website on 22 March; subheadings have been inserted editorially:
The secretary of the National Security Council, Armenian Defence
Minister, Serzh Sarkisyan delivered this report to his commanders on
16 February 2005 [as reported, presumably 2006].
[Passage omitted: Cold war comes to an end; Armenia involved in
regional and international projects, Armenia sees integration through
democracy, constitutional reforms, institutional reforms, economic
reforms as its priority, international developments impact on Armenia]
Armenia is taking measures to safeguard itself from regional
threats. We support the establishment of regional cooperation and
constructive relations with other countries and the creation of
security systems.
Regional conflicts, especially the Nagornyy Karabakh one, should be
resolved legally. We should prevent the resumption of hostilities
and overcome disagreements in the region.
[Passage omitted: Different problems exist in the region and they
can be solved]
Armenian-Georgian relations
Armenian-Georgian relations are of strategic importance to our country.
[Passage omitted: Georgia, owning to its geographical position,
plays the role of mediator between Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan]
Destabilization of the political situation in Georgia will put
Armenia's economic and communication links with the outside world
in danger but ethnic intolerance can create an anti-Armenian mood in
Georgia caused by the migration of Armenians from Samtskhe-Javakheti.
[Passage omitted: Armenia wants to see a stable Georgia]
Georgian-Turkish and Georgian-Azerbaijani joint programmes in
the spheres of the economy, communications and the military are
aimed at breaking the balance in the region and keeping Armenia in
isolation. In this regard, the project for the construction of the
Kars-Akhalkalaki railway would undermine Armenian interests in the
region. This project has been directed against the Gyumri-Kars railway
project and is aimed at destroying its strategic importance.
Such programmes instigated by Turkey and Azerbaijan meet Georgia's
national security interests. However, Armenia has been trying to
involve Georgia in the Sukhumi-Tbilisi railway which is of strategic
importance to Armenia. On the other hand, Armenia is trying to restart
the Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway to neutralize the danger of economic
isolation. This programme plays an important role in terms of lifting
the regional blockade and Armenia will continue its efforts towards
its implementation.
Armenian-Georgian relations are important also in terms of mutual
interests because the geographical positions of the two countries
provide an opportunity for economic and communication links between
Armenia, Russia and Europe, as well as between Georgia, Iran and the
Middle East. Moreover, both Armenia and Georgia are in favour of a
peaceful solution to regional conflicts, in order to ensure national
and regional security in the region.
Despite differences over methods of implementation, both countries
prefer to develop through European integration. There is almost
no practical cooperation between the two countries in the military
sphere. But both sides realize that military cooperation between the
two countries is also mutually beneficial in terms of strategy.
Armenia is taking steps to revive contacts with Georgia in this
sphere. During the Armenian president's visit to Georgia in 2004,
an official statement was made that the two countries had reached an
agreement in principle on establishing military-diplomatic relations
at the level of military attache.
[Passage omitted: Armenian-Georgian cooperation ensures security in
the South Caucasus region]
Armenian-Iranian relations
Armenian-Iranian relations are important in terms of maintaining
the military-political balance and stability in the region. Having a
great economic, military and cultural potential, Iran is conducting an
independent foreign policy. Iran plays a significant role in shaping
the military-political situation in the region, and is competing with
Turkey in the economic and political fields.
At the same time, Turkey, as a member of NATO and a close ally of
the USA and Israel, is described by Iran as a threat to the national
security of the country. A contest between Turkey and Iran ensures a
certain balance in the region and in this regard, Armenian-Iranian
cooperation has been aimed at neutralizing anti-Armenian policy
carried out by the Turkish-Azerbaijani alliance.
Iranian-Armenian cooperation is mainly of an economic and cultural
nature. There is considerable progress, especially in the economic and
energy spheres. A number of energy programmes have been drawn up and
are being implemented. The main goals are to create alternative energy
resources in Armenia. In order to neutralize the implications of the
economic and communication blockade of Armenia, Iran provides links
between Armenia, Asia and the Middle East, as well as with Russia.
Moreover Iran, which is closer to the hotbed of the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict, conducts a balanced policy regarding the settlement of the
conflict. Undoubtedly, Azerbaijan puts pressure on Iran, which is
dangerous to Armenia. Iran being a Muslim country plays an important
role in supporting the Muslims and has a significant influence on
Muslim countries. By using this argument, Azerbaijan describes the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict as a religious problem and tries to benefit
from the so called "one million Muslim refugees" factor. In order to
put pressure on Iran, Azerbaijan threatens Iran that it would assist
the USA in a possible war between the USA and Iran. The pressure may
force Iran to change its balanced position.
To ensure a balanced relationship with Iran, Armenia is trying to
neutralize this threat. At the same time, our relations with the USA
are not in conflict with the Iranian interests. Strategic relations
with Iran are a significant part of our foreign policy aimed at
establishing a favourable climate between Armenia and the Muslim world.
[Passage omitted: Armenian-Iranian consultations are also important,
in order to prevent the above-mentioned threats]
Armenian-Turkish-Azerbaijani relations
The settlement of the Armenian-Turkish problem is one of the topical
issues in the region.
[Passage omitted: relations between Armenia and Turkey have a negative
impact on regional cooperation; Turkey refuses to recognize the
Armenian genocide. Turkey tries to resolve the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict in favour of Azerbaijan]
Tension between Armenia and Turkey is also caused by regional
programmes implemented by Turkey, including the Baku-Ceyhan oil
pipeline, Baku- Erzurum gas pipeline, the Kars Akhalkalaki railway
project, etc, all without Armenia's involvement.
[Passage omitted: Turkey's membership of the European Union should
be made conditional on relations with its neighbours, as well as
with Armenia]
There are no relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan because of the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. The frozen nature of the Nagornyy Karabakh
problem and Azerbaijan's policy regarding the Karabakh conflict have
been threatening Armenia's national security.
[Passage omitted: Azerbaijan makes statements about resolving the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict militarily]
Armenian-NATO relations
Armenian-NATO relations play an important role in ensuring the
national security of Armenia. Armenia has chosen the path of European
development, therefore, relations with NATO will be developed in
parallel with the European integration processes.
The development of cooperation with NATO proceeds from the need
to ensure Armenia's national security and Armenia will continue to
implement joint programmes with NATO.
Armenian-NATO relations have reached a new level over the last few
years. This is caused not only by Armenia's desire, but also by the
adoption of new policies by NATO, as well as by decisions to involve
the South Caucasus in NATO's strategic interests and develop individual
relations with partner states.
[Passage omitted: Armenia cooperates with NATO within the framework
of Planning and Review Process and Individual Partnership Action Plan,
Armenia also cooperates with European countries]
Armenian-Russian relations
Armenian-Russian relations are of a strategic nature and are the
cornerstone of Armenia's security.
These relations arise from the strategic interests of the two
countries. These interests cover all spheres of cooperation between
the two countries, which are reflected in 160 bilateral agreements. It
is important that we have cooperation in all spheres.
Of course, the military and military-technical sphere is an essential
part of strategic cooperation between Armenia and Russia. In general,
the following are the main directions of military cooperation between
Armenia and Russia:
- ensuring the military and military-technical needs of the Armenian
armed forces.
- ensuring the balance between forces in the region.
Armenian-Russian military cooperation is being carried out in three
directions:
- coalition grouping
- united air defence system
- cooperation within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty
Organization [CSTO].
Armenian-Russian military cooperation, especially the deployment of
the Russian military bases on the territory of Armenia are aimed at
neutralizing the military threat from Turkey.
[Passage omitted: The CIS CSTO is ensuring the military-political
balance in the region and Armenian-Russian military cooperation is
not to the detriment of other countries]
Relations with USA
Cooperation with the USA is of paramount importance to Armenia in
terms of establishing a democratic country and ensuring national
security. The USA plays an important role in international and
regional processes.
[Passage omitted: Armenia has involved in programmes of the US
Millennium Challenge Corporation and Armenian-US relations have
developed in political, economic, cultural an so on spheres as well]
The Armenian armed forces benefit both militarily and politically
from the military cooperation with the USA as this helps it strengthen
the state of combat readiness
[Passage omitted: The Armenian diaspora in the USA plays an important
role in the development of relations between Armenia and the USA;
Armenia will continue to develop relations with the USA in future;
the strategy of pan-Armenian integration]
[The new strategy was also mentioned by Armenian Public TV "Aylur"
news 1700 gmt 21 March 06 in item 5]
Yerkir website, Yerevan
22 Mar 06
An Armenian newspaper published a national security strategy on 22
March. The strategy, which is now being discussed by parliament,
was outlined in a wide-ranging address to senior commanders by the
defence minister in February. The minister said that relations with
Russia are "the cornerstone of Armenia's security". He also talked
about relations with Iran, NATO, the USA, Turkey and Azerbaijan. The
following is an excerpt from report by the Armenian newspaper Yerkir
website on 22 March; subheadings have been inserted editorially:
The secretary of the National Security Council, Armenian Defence
Minister, Serzh Sarkisyan delivered this report to his commanders on
16 February 2005 [as reported, presumably 2006].
[Passage omitted: Cold war comes to an end; Armenia involved in
regional and international projects, Armenia sees integration through
democracy, constitutional reforms, institutional reforms, economic
reforms as its priority, international developments impact on Armenia]
Armenia is taking measures to safeguard itself from regional
threats. We support the establishment of regional cooperation and
constructive relations with other countries and the creation of
security systems.
Regional conflicts, especially the Nagornyy Karabakh one, should be
resolved legally. We should prevent the resumption of hostilities
and overcome disagreements in the region.
[Passage omitted: Different problems exist in the region and they
can be solved]
Armenian-Georgian relations
Armenian-Georgian relations are of strategic importance to our country.
[Passage omitted: Georgia, owning to its geographical position,
plays the role of mediator between Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan]
Destabilization of the political situation in Georgia will put
Armenia's economic and communication links with the outside world
in danger but ethnic intolerance can create an anti-Armenian mood in
Georgia caused by the migration of Armenians from Samtskhe-Javakheti.
[Passage omitted: Armenia wants to see a stable Georgia]
Georgian-Turkish and Georgian-Azerbaijani joint programmes in
the spheres of the economy, communications and the military are
aimed at breaking the balance in the region and keeping Armenia in
isolation. In this regard, the project for the construction of the
Kars-Akhalkalaki railway would undermine Armenian interests in the
region. This project has been directed against the Gyumri-Kars railway
project and is aimed at destroying its strategic importance.
Such programmes instigated by Turkey and Azerbaijan meet Georgia's
national security interests. However, Armenia has been trying to
involve Georgia in the Sukhumi-Tbilisi railway which is of strategic
importance to Armenia. On the other hand, Armenia is trying to restart
the Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway to neutralize the danger of economic
isolation. This programme plays an important role in terms of lifting
the regional blockade and Armenia will continue its efforts towards
its implementation.
Armenian-Georgian relations are important also in terms of mutual
interests because the geographical positions of the two countries
provide an opportunity for economic and communication links between
Armenia, Russia and Europe, as well as between Georgia, Iran and the
Middle East. Moreover, both Armenia and Georgia are in favour of a
peaceful solution to regional conflicts, in order to ensure national
and regional security in the region.
Despite differences over methods of implementation, both countries
prefer to develop through European integration. There is almost
no practical cooperation between the two countries in the military
sphere. But both sides realize that military cooperation between the
two countries is also mutually beneficial in terms of strategy.
Armenia is taking steps to revive contacts with Georgia in this
sphere. During the Armenian president's visit to Georgia in 2004,
an official statement was made that the two countries had reached an
agreement in principle on establishing military-diplomatic relations
at the level of military attache.
[Passage omitted: Armenian-Georgian cooperation ensures security in
the South Caucasus region]
Armenian-Iranian relations
Armenian-Iranian relations are important in terms of maintaining
the military-political balance and stability in the region. Having a
great economic, military and cultural potential, Iran is conducting an
independent foreign policy. Iran plays a significant role in shaping
the military-political situation in the region, and is competing with
Turkey in the economic and political fields.
At the same time, Turkey, as a member of NATO and a close ally of
the USA and Israel, is described by Iran as a threat to the national
security of the country. A contest between Turkey and Iran ensures a
certain balance in the region and in this regard, Armenian-Iranian
cooperation has been aimed at neutralizing anti-Armenian policy
carried out by the Turkish-Azerbaijani alliance.
Iranian-Armenian cooperation is mainly of an economic and cultural
nature. There is considerable progress, especially in the economic and
energy spheres. A number of energy programmes have been drawn up and
are being implemented. The main goals are to create alternative energy
resources in Armenia. In order to neutralize the implications of the
economic and communication blockade of Armenia, Iran provides links
between Armenia, Asia and the Middle East, as well as with Russia.
Moreover Iran, which is closer to the hotbed of the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict, conducts a balanced policy regarding the settlement of the
conflict. Undoubtedly, Azerbaijan puts pressure on Iran, which is
dangerous to Armenia. Iran being a Muslim country plays an important
role in supporting the Muslims and has a significant influence on
Muslim countries. By using this argument, Azerbaijan describes the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict as a religious problem and tries to benefit
from the so called "one million Muslim refugees" factor. In order to
put pressure on Iran, Azerbaijan threatens Iran that it would assist
the USA in a possible war between the USA and Iran. The pressure may
force Iran to change its balanced position.
To ensure a balanced relationship with Iran, Armenia is trying to
neutralize this threat. At the same time, our relations with the USA
are not in conflict with the Iranian interests. Strategic relations
with Iran are a significant part of our foreign policy aimed at
establishing a favourable climate between Armenia and the Muslim world.
[Passage omitted: Armenian-Iranian consultations are also important,
in order to prevent the above-mentioned threats]
Armenian-Turkish-Azerbaijani relations
The settlement of the Armenian-Turkish problem is one of the topical
issues in the region.
[Passage omitted: relations between Armenia and Turkey have a negative
impact on regional cooperation; Turkey refuses to recognize the
Armenian genocide. Turkey tries to resolve the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict in favour of Azerbaijan]
Tension between Armenia and Turkey is also caused by regional
programmes implemented by Turkey, including the Baku-Ceyhan oil
pipeline, Baku- Erzurum gas pipeline, the Kars Akhalkalaki railway
project, etc, all without Armenia's involvement.
[Passage omitted: Turkey's membership of the European Union should
be made conditional on relations with its neighbours, as well as
with Armenia]
There are no relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan because of the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. The frozen nature of the Nagornyy Karabakh
problem and Azerbaijan's policy regarding the Karabakh conflict have
been threatening Armenia's national security.
[Passage omitted: Azerbaijan makes statements about resolving the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict militarily]
Armenian-NATO relations
Armenian-NATO relations play an important role in ensuring the
national security of Armenia. Armenia has chosen the path of European
development, therefore, relations with NATO will be developed in
parallel with the European integration processes.
The development of cooperation with NATO proceeds from the need
to ensure Armenia's national security and Armenia will continue to
implement joint programmes with NATO.
Armenian-NATO relations have reached a new level over the last few
years. This is caused not only by Armenia's desire, but also by the
adoption of new policies by NATO, as well as by decisions to involve
the South Caucasus in NATO's strategic interests and develop individual
relations with partner states.
[Passage omitted: Armenia cooperates with NATO within the framework
of Planning and Review Process and Individual Partnership Action Plan,
Armenia also cooperates with European countries]
Armenian-Russian relations
Armenian-Russian relations are of a strategic nature and are the
cornerstone of Armenia's security.
These relations arise from the strategic interests of the two
countries. These interests cover all spheres of cooperation between
the two countries, which are reflected in 160 bilateral agreements. It
is important that we have cooperation in all spheres.
Of course, the military and military-technical sphere is an essential
part of strategic cooperation between Armenia and Russia. In general,
the following are the main directions of military cooperation between
Armenia and Russia:
- ensuring the military and military-technical needs of the Armenian
armed forces.
- ensuring the balance between forces in the region.
Armenian-Russian military cooperation is being carried out in three
directions:
- coalition grouping
- united air defence system
- cooperation within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty
Organization [CSTO].
Armenian-Russian military cooperation, especially the deployment of
the Russian military bases on the territory of Armenia are aimed at
neutralizing the military threat from Turkey.
[Passage omitted: The CIS CSTO is ensuring the military-political
balance in the region and Armenian-Russian military cooperation is
not to the detriment of other countries]
Relations with USA
Cooperation with the USA is of paramount importance to Armenia in
terms of establishing a democratic country and ensuring national
security. The USA plays an important role in international and
regional processes.
[Passage omitted: Armenia has involved in programmes of the US
Millennium Challenge Corporation and Armenian-US relations have
developed in political, economic, cultural an so on spheres as well]
The Armenian armed forces benefit both militarily and politically
from the military cooperation with the USA as this helps it strengthen
the state of combat readiness
[Passage omitted: The Armenian diaspora in the USA plays an important
role in the development of relations between Armenia and the USA;
Armenia will continue to develop relations with the USA in future;
the strategy of pan-Armenian integration]
[The new strategy was also mentioned by Armenian Public TV "Aylur"
news 1700 gmt 21 March 06 in item 5]