Armenian Peacekeepers Preparing for Mission in Afghanistan
Before the start of the mission, a group of Armenian military experts visited Afghanistan last year to inspect the conditions for the Armenian deployment on the ground. Particularly, Armenian contingent consisting of 40 infantrymen will take the necessary training in Germany before leaving for a six-month mission under the regional command “North” of the NATO International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in the Afghanistan. They will be deployed in Kunduz region of Afghanistan. The main mission of Armenian contingent will be to provide security in the Airport of Kunduz along with the German troops.
“I am sure that you will honorably discharge your duties and after some months you will proudly return to the Motherland. Taking the opportunity I should thank our colleagues in Germany, as well, for comprehensive material and moral assistance due to which an effective and secure service is provided for our staff in Afghanistan. I wish you a safe service and return home” stated Armenian Defense Minister during farewell ceremony on 9th of January, 2010.
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 in his turn stated that the problems of further activities in Afghanistan will be discussed in London, Great Britain, late this January.
P.S. The Armenian peacekeeping brigade was established in May 2007, however Armenian servicemen also took part in the peacekeeping mission in Kosovo within a Greek battalion (from February 12, 2004), and in Iraq as part of a Polish division from January 25, 2005 until October 10, 2008.
References:
1. http://www.mil.am
2. http://www.asbarez.com
3. http://news.am
4. http://goarmenia.net