Video conference between Armenian peacekeepers and their families.

November 11, 2014

Armenian peacekeepers in Afghanistan happy with service conditions

Within NATO Week in Armenia, a video conference was organized between Armenian peacekeepers serving in Afghanistan and their families at Armenian Foreign Ministry today.

Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan addressed a video greeting to the Armenian peacekeepers serving in Mazar-i-Sharif province in Afghanista. He hailed Armenian peacekeepers’ mission in Afghanistan stressing that their service is the best proof of Armenia-NATO cooperation.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Ashot Hovakimyan also welcomed and wished safe service to the peacekeepers. He noted that within NATO Week in Armenia, already traditional video bridge between the peacekeepers and their families is a chance to once again be proud of Armenian servicemen’s service.

“Taking part in international peacekeeping missions, Armenia makes its contribution to establishing international peace and you play a big role in it. Thank you and wish you peaceful service”, said Ashot Hovakimyan.

In their turn, the peacekeepers noted that the service is going on smoothly and the conditions are good.

The video bridge also hosted Ambassadors of NATO member states accredited in Armenia.

Greeting the peacekeepers and their families, UK Ambassador to Armenia Katherine Leach first of all took interest in their health and service conditions. Addressing a speech to the servicemen in Armenian, the Ambassador particularly asked: “Is the food good?” The servicemen gave a positive answer to her question.

“I thank you and your families for your contribution. I thank your families that they let you take part in the peacekeeping mission”, said Katherine Leach.

Addressing a message to the peacekeepers, German Ambassador to Armenia Rainer Morel said that Germany hails their service. According to him, the cooperation with Armenian peacekeepers under German command garnered excellent results.

“We only hear positive feedback on your service. We are very thankful to you. We wish you safe service and thank you”, said Rainer Morel.

U.S. Ambassador John Heffern also wished safe service to the peacekeepers.

“We are grateful for all your sacrifice. We wish you safe service and earliest return to their families”, said the UK Ambassador.

Afterwards, the peacekeepers were given the chance to talk to their families.

Armenia has been taking part in the peacekeeping mission by International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. As of now, 130 Armenian peacekeepers serve under German command in this country.

The Armenian peacekeeping troops are stationed in the Camp Marmal and Camp Mike Spann military bases in the Mazar-i-Sharif. The objective of the Armenian peacekeepers in Afghanistan is to ensure security. In May 2014, Armenia and Germany signed an interdepartmental technical agreement on re-stationing of one Armenian peacekeeping subdivision in Kabul’s Camp Kasaba military settlement.

From 2015, NATO-led “Resolute Support” mission will start in Afghanistan. The Armenian side reconfirmed its commitment to take part in the mission to the Germany which is the head of the Northern Command.