We will assist Syrian Armenians both in Aleppo and Yerevan. Serzh Sargsyan

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: Serzh Sargsyan who is currently on a working visit in Russian Federation participated in The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Collective Security Council session on December 19 in Moscow. As Armenpress was informed from the Presidential press office Secretary General of CSTO Nikolai Bordyuja presented information on CSTO activity and documents to be signed after which participants of the session discussed other issues of the agenda, including tendencies of international situation, measures improving the system of collective security as well as issues concerning the development of CSTO military component till 2020 and improving collective response system in case of emergency situations.

In his speech made during extended negotiations Serzh Sargsyan expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for organizing Moscow CSTO session on a high level and congratulated President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on the occasion of succeeded presidency of CSTO during 2012, as well as for the efficient cooperation in its frames. In Serzh Sargsyan’s words the experience of cooperation of CSTO members shows that a right police has been chosen 20 years ago. Organization proportionally develops an effective response of existing system to threats. “In 2012 efforts of the organization have been centralized on the main directions- strengthening of the CSTO military potential, efficiency of foreign policy coordination and expansion of cooperation against terrorism, illegal drug trafficking and illegal migration. In September “Interaction 2012” was successfully concluded in Armenia. Both preparatory period and exercises clearly demonstrated our ability to solve various issues, involving troops, internal troops units, emergency department services, and Special Forces,” Serzh Sargsyan noted.

Head of State also referred to some regional issues and challenges, to the current strained situation in the Middle East and presented our position on those issues. “Analysis of the incidents on CSTO borders do not give a basis for the optimistic forecasts. That is Afghanistan, and the growing tension around Iran and Syria situation. There are ongoing armed confrontations which destabilize the entire Middle East. There a large Armenian community living in Syria. They are children and grandchildren of those who miraculously survived the genocide in the Ottoman Empire. Thousands of Armenians have become inseparable part of Syrian society having their contribution in the development and strengthening of that country. More than 6000 Syrian Armenians have left for Armenia and flood will yet decline. We will assist Syrian Armenians both in Syria and Yerevan. Armenia stands for immediate cessation of hostilities and is for reaching a peaceful resolution of Syrian conflict,” Armenian President said. Serzh Sargsyan also highlighted relations with Iran and economic cooperation with it. Referring to challenges of South Caucasus region Armenian President underlined that destructive position of Azerbaijan over NKR conflict remained to be the most serious regional threat.

The speech was concluded with the gratitude words to Nikolay Bordyuja for efficient activity in the position of Secretary General of the Organization, noting that his efforts are visible for all CSTO members. In frames of working visit to Russia Serzh Sargsyan will have meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.