Today is 30.07.2010

The delegation headed by Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan visited Afghanistan July 24-26. On July 24 the Armenian Defense Minister visited the region of Kunduz, where the Armenian peacekeeping contingent ensures the security of the airport. Spiritual leader of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, Vrtanes Archbishop Abrahamyan, blessed the temple built by Armenian peacekeepers. Within the framework of the visit the Armenian delegation had meetings with meet David Howell Petraeus, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander of the U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A). During the meeting the parties discussed the security environment in Afghanistan and the region, the results of the Kabul summit. The ISAF Commander expressed gratitude to Seyran Ohanayn for the excellent and exemplary service of the Armenian peacekeepers and the important contribution Armenian peacekeepers make to ensure the security of the northern regions of Afghanistan, which are of strategic importance. On July 25 the Armenian delegation was welcomed by Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Vardak and The chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Sher Muhammad Karimi. They hailed the activity of the Armenian peacekeepers and presented the general situation in Afghanistan /Translated by Siranush Ghazanchyan/

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“After the ruling of the Hague Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nagorno Karabakh had to take steps towards recognition of Artsakh’s independence, involving civil society representatives in the process. The Parliaments of Armenia and Artsakh also have to do something,” analyst Karen Bekaryan told a press conference today. The decision of the International Court of Justice is not legally binding, but it creates a certain political background. It will have an active and positive influence on the negotiation process on the Karabakh conflict settlement, Karen Bekaryan is assured. According to him, Azerbaijan is also aware of this influence. “We should not rush to the Hague Court inspired by its ruling on Kosovo,” Karen Bekaryan said, adding that “it will harm the negotiation process under way within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. He does believe, however, that certain steps need to be taken. “First of all, it’s Artsakh that should take steps. It’s necessary to start the process of recognition of Artsakh through executive, legislative and civil society circles, establish parliamentary contacts, create parliamentary friendship groups, interparliamentary commissions, etc,” Karen Bekaryan said. “Let’s view the negotiations and recognition as separate processes. Not being a party to the talks, Artsakh is not constrained and is free to act,” he added.

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