YEREVAN. – The Minister of Defense of Armenia, Seyran Ohanyan, issued a congratulatory message on the coming New Year and Armenian Christmas (January 6) holidays.

“In 2015, the Armenian army brilliantly accomplished its mission, protecting the homeland’s borders amid armed confrontation [with Azerbaijan]. (…) Unfortunately, also with irretrievable [human] losses.

“We recorded major progress in the strengthening of the armed forces and the strengthening of border security.

“In the international arena, the balanced development of allied and partnerships relations (…) was ensured. Furthermore, Armenia assumed the functions of the Chairman in our politico-military alliance: the Collective Security Treaty Organization [(CSTO)].

“The Armenian peacekeepers continued their contribution to the UN and NATO missions in Lebanon, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Mali.

“I assure [you] that everything will be done (…) to have a protected Homeland,” the Armenian defense minister’s message specifically reads.