New state project to neutralize security threats against Armenia

In its board session on December 11, Armenian National Security Council (NSC) discussed the 2011-15 state program aimed at the development of armament and military technologies in Armenia.

The program will become effective by decree of the president, NSC Secretary Arthur Baghdasaryan said.

"By approving the program, we commit ourselves to neutralizing all the security threats to Armenia. The adoption of the document will allow our country to launch long-term and mid-term projects on armament and military technology. The program will help military equipment and raise the combat readiness of our armed forces," he said.

Baghdasaryan also referred to the Armenian-Russian agreement on collaboration in military industry sphere, saying it will help create joint ventures, developing Armenia's military industry on the one hand, and promote new job openings, deepening military cooperation on the other.

In this context he stressed the importance of the protocol on prolonging the Russian military bases' presence in Armenia.

On December 10, Arthur Baghdasaryan met with Russian General Vladimir Pronichev. The parties discussed a broad framework of issues concerning border security and the modernization of checkpoints. A joint working group consisting of Armenian and Russian border guards has been set up and a program to provide solution to the existing problems has been elaborated.