November 14, 2016

Armenia and NATO discuss fate of Armenians in Aleppo

 

The 10th NATO Week kicked off today in Armenia.

NATO Week kicked off at NATO Information Center in Yerevan, which also celebrates the 10th anniversary of its foundation.

Gagik Hovhannisyan, Head of Armenian MFA Arms Control and International Security Department, Mher Israyelyan, Deputy Chief of Department of Defence Policy of Armenian Ministry of Defense, William Lahue, Head of the NATO Liaison Office to South Caucasus, and Matthias Kiesler, German Ambassador to Armenia spoke about NATO-Armenia relations at the Center today.

William Lahue said that Armenia-NATO partnership is founded on strong bases, as it is mutually beneficial.

He informed that apart from other issues, Syrian crisis was discussed last week with Armenian delegation, which visited NATO Headquarters.

“We know that Armenia has hosted more than 20 000 refugees from Syria. We also know that a big number of Armenians live in Syria now, in particular in Aleppo, and Armenia is concerned about their future,” U.S. official said.  

Matthias Kiesler noted that NATO Week is a very important event, “as it gives the opportunity to introduce NATO-Armenia excellent cooperation to Armenian public, as not everyone is aware of it.”

Gagik Hovhannisyan and Mher Israyelyan introduced the history of Armenia-NATO cooperation and ongoing projects, emphasizing that Armenian side is ready to develop collaboration with the Alliance both in military and public sectors.