Participating in a January 9 ceremony of sending Armenian peacekeepers to Germany and later to Afghanistan, RA Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan stated that participating in such a mission is Armenia’s moral duty. In a month, 40 Armenian peacekeepers forming part of a German contingent will leave for Afghanistan for six months.

Addressing the peacekeeping brigade, the Minister Ohanyan said: “Our Armed Forces’ international reputation, and our state being a full member of the international community, imposes a moral duty on us – participating in the tasks facing the international community. We cannot but participate in the activities aimed at establishing peace and stability. This is in conformity with Armenia’s specific features and priorities. I can assure you that by carrying out your mission in Afghanistan you render an invaluable service to the Homeland.

”You must remember that your will be hosted by the Afghan people. Your duty is to protect them, and you must be on the alert," Ohanyan said.

The Minister also thanked the German side for its financial assistance and moral support in resolving the problems of stationing the Armenian troops.

German Ambassador to Armenia Hans-Jochen Schmidt addressed the Armenian contingent. He said that the problems of further activities in Afghanistan will be discussed in London, Great Britain, late this January.

T.P.