The National Organization of Republican Armenians commends the Bush Administration’s firm commitment and serious efforts in forging closer military ties with the Republic of Armenia in the context of promoting greater regional security. Armenia remains a fully committed military partner of the United States and continuously seeks U.S. military aid for the purpose of modernizing its forces.

Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld thanks President Kocharian of Armenia at thePresidential Palace in Yerevan. Secretary Rumsfeld thanked the Armenian Government and specifically President Kocharian for offering vital assistance to the coalition against global terrorism. The Republic of Armenia has provided overflight airspace and refueling rights to the U.S. and coalition aircraft. Courtesy Office of the President 2001

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia has embarked on a long term mission to revamp its military through close cooperation with NATO and the United States. The Bush Administration has actively sought in helping Armenia by providing military training, policy development, and various forms of assistance geared towards making Armenia a stronger state.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld meeting in Pentagon with Armenian Minister of Defense Serzh Sargsyan. Secretary Rumsfeld and Minister Sargsyan further discussed military operations in Afghanistan and Armenia’s regional security policies. March 2002 Defense Department photo: R.D. Ward

The military relationship was further strengthened when the Republic of Armenia gave full military access to its bases and airspace to the United States for its military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, President Kocharian of Armenia, sharply condemned the attacks and pledged full support for U.S. efforts against terrorism.

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld (right) escorts Armenian Minister of Defense Serzh Sargsyan (left) through an honor cordon and into the Pentagon on Oct. 28, 2005. Rumsfeld and Sargsyan will hold bilateral security talks with some of their senior advisors. DoD photo by R. D. Ward. (Released)

During the critical pre-war planning phases for Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Armenia provided blanket airspace clearance for U.S. military aircraft, as well as allowed and facilitated for refueling and emergency landings of U.S. fighter and transport aircrafts.

Armenian Minister of Defense Serzh Sargsyan (left) meets with Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld (foreground) to discuss security related issues of mutual interest to both nations in the Pentagon on Oct. 28, 2005. Interpreter Lt. Hovhannes Gharzaryan is seated beside Sargsyan.DoD photo by R. D. Ward. (Released)

As a committed member of the U.S. Coalition against international terrorism, the Republic of Armenia immediately increased security at the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan by stationing Armenian troops along the mission’s perimeters. In addition, the Republic of Armenia shared intelligence information with relevant U.S. Defense intelligence agencies.

L to R: Minister of Defense Serzh Sargsyan (currently Prime Minister) meets with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns during NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council meeting held in Belgium (Dec. 2001). Both sides discussed greater involvement of NATO and U.S. in Armenian military affairs. Photo Courtesy: NATO

The Armenian people as well as the Republic of Armenia have long been the victims of atrocious terrorism committed on their homeland. Despite having a strategic importance, Armenia’s geographic position situates itself in a very dangerous and unfriendly neighborhood. It is noteworthy, that in 1992 during the Nagorno Karabakh war, Armenia was attacked by Muslim fascists and mujahedeen, sponsored by Osama bin Laden and various shady terrorist groups operating out of neighboring Azerbaijan.

The aim of the terrorists, as well as the Government of Azerbaijan, was to wipe out Christian Armenians living in the enclave of Nagorno Karabakh, a historic Armenian land. The Armenian forces were able to ward off enemy fighters and established a security buffer zone along the southeastern borders of the republic.

An Armenian military patrol maintaining a checkpoint in Kosovo. Armenian Armed Forces have been serving under the NATO-led international peacekeeping force, KFOR (Kosovo Force), since February 2004. The Republic of Armenia actively serves peacekeeping missions led by NATO and the U.S.

In the context of closer military cooperation with NATO, Armenia currently provides a contingent of military forces in Kosovo for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. More importantly, Armenia is a fully committed member of the U.S. coalition in Iraq. The Armenian government continues to provide logistical support, medical assistance and de-mining experts in Iraq. The Armenian troops serve under the joint U.S. and Polish commands. Senior officers of the Pentagon have commended Armenia’s firm commitment to the Coalition. The Republic of Armenia strongly believes for a viable regional security plan and that its participation alongside the U.S. is a serious form of achieving that very goal.