The programs implemented by the RA National Security Council last year raised the country’s security to a higher level, Secretary of the Council, Chairman of the Rule of Law  Party Artur Baghdasaryan told a news conference.

In 2010, the Council held six sittings and discussed 15 issues. Relevant activities were launched in seven cases pursuant to the President’s decrees or instructions. Six interagency committees were formed, and the 7th was set up under a presidential decree, Baghdasaryan said. He pointed out the need for special attention to the government development program of military equipment and ammunition. Under the program, Armenian military industrial enterprises are to be modernized in cooperation with Russian partners. Armenia will also purchase up-to-date arms for its Armed Forces. The program will neutralize all threats to Armenia’s national security.

Speaking of the border security strategy and border management, Baghdasaryan pointed out that the program envisages comprehensive modernization of the border management system, particularly creation of a modern checkpoint system.

As regards information security, Baghdasaryan pointed out a much higher level of information security in Armenia due to the measures implemented in 2010. “Two years ago, almost every day, Armenian government and private websites were attacked. Last year we reduced such incidents to a minimum,” he said.

Baghdasaryan also spoke of Armenia-EU cooperation. “We registered serious progress in 2010 – we launched global negotiations for development of cooperation,” he said, speaking of the negotiations for an association agreement. “Certain changes took place in 2010. With a number of EU member-states we reached agreements allowing people with diplomatic or service passports to visit the countries without visas. France was the last country we reached such an agreement with,” Baghdasaryan said. Also, the European partners pledged to allocate €32 million to Armenia under an administration modernization program.

Among Armenia’s greatest achievements in 2010 was, Baghdasaryan said, an agreement prolonging Russian military presence in Armenia. He underlined the importance of amendments to the bilateral agreement. “First, Russian armed forces will join the Armenian armed forces in ensuring our country’s security. Secondly, Russia will supply modern arms and military equipment to Armenia, which will enhance our army’s efficiency and reduce the possibility of external aggression,” Baghdasaryan said.

He also spoke of Armenia’s role in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Thirty-four documents were ratified with Armenia’s active participation. The documents deal with security, terrorism control, military cooperation. “We signed an agreement forming rapid reaction forces to help the CSTO member-states in need. The first training of the forces will be held in Armenia this year,” Baghdasaryan.