YEREVAN. – Increase in number of Armenian peacekeepers in Afghanistan and prolongation of their deployment will not affect Armenia’s cooperation with Russia and CSTO, Armenian Deputy Defense Minister Ara Nazaryan told the journalists.

“It will not affect our relations with Russia as it is our strategic partner,” he said dismissing reports that place of deployment will be changed. “The peacekeeping mission will stay in Kunduz,” he added.

Parliament of Armenia approved the document amending the international agreement on deployment of the Armenian peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan within NATO mission. The documents provides for prolongation of Armenia’s presence till December 31, 2012 and increase in number of troops.