Despite the present tensions on our borders, Armenia’s engagement in the area of international peacekeeping has gradually expanded both geography-, and quantity-, and quality-wise, President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said in his address at the UN Peacekeeping summit, the president’s press office told EADaily.
“Armenia is already an active contributor to the international peace and security, and in the course of the preceding decade it accumulated considerable experience. Since 2004, Armenian peacekeepers joined the operation in Kosovo, and later the same year – the one in Iraq. Since 2010, we have taken part in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Since 2015, we have partaken in the Resolute Support Mission in that very country, and, as we have declared on numerous other occasions, we will stand there with our international partners until that mission is accomplished. Last year, we expanded our engagement with peacekeeping missions. Now we are also present in the UNIFIL mission that is stationed in Lebanon. Moreover, this July Armenia launched its participation in the MINUSMA peacekeeping mission in Mali. And, most recently, we have undertaken new commitments to develop appropriate skills to be provided in the course of our future participation in the UN peacekeeping operations such as a Role II medical hospital and training of associated personnel, as well as training of a company of EOD/C-IED (Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Counter-Improvised Explosive Device) soldiers,” the press office quotes president as saying.
Serzh Sargsyan said the U.S., Greece, Germany, as well as NATO structures and other member States have played pivotal role in the establishment and development of the Armenian peacekeeping capabilities. “I extend our special gratitude to them upon it,” the president said.
In his words, preservation of international peace and security is a primary responsibility for all, both great and smaller States, and peacekeeping is a major conduit to achieve that objective. “Today we still need to take additional collective measures for its further consolidation. It is obvious that a peaceful and safe world may be secured solely by comprehensive, joint and careful measures to be taken,” the Armenian president said for conclusion.
