NATO does not place pressure on countries to make them join the alliance: British ambassador
20.01.2011,
22:43
NATO does not place pressure on countries to make them join the alliance, British ambassador to Armenia, Charles Longsdale, told a news conference today.
YEREVAN, January 20, /ARKA/. NATO does not place pressure on countries to make them join the alliance, British ambassador to Armenia, Charles Longsdale, told a news conference today.
He said NATO’s door is open for countries which are independent to choose the format of their cooperation with the Alliance. To seek NATO membership, the potential candidates should demonstrate their adherence to the organization’s major principles and prove their ability to take up new commitments and responsibility, he said.
The ambassador said also the Alliance is pleased with its cooperation with Armenia. He commended Armenia for taking active part in the Alliance’s peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. The ambassador noted that Armenia hosted a set of NATO- sponsored exercises, the last one in 2010 September. He said Armenia hosts and takes part in NATO-sponsored workshops on terrorism, cyber crime and energy security. -0-
He said NATO’s door is open for countries which are independent to choose the format of their cooperation with the Alliance. To seek NATO membership, the potential candidates should demonstrate their adherence to the organization’s major principles and prove their ability to take up new commitments and responsibility, he said.
The ambassador said also the Alliance is pleased with its cooperation with Armenia. He commended Armenia for taking active part in the Alliance’s peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. The ambassador noted that Armenia hosted a set of NATO- sponsored exercises, the last one in 2010 September. He said Armenia hosts and takes part in NATO-sponsored workshops on terrorism, cyber crime and energy security. -0-
