Published since 27/08/1991

61-ST ROSE ROTH SEMINAR 'SECURITY IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS'

• Report by the Secretary of the National Security Council under the President of the Republic of Armenia – Minister of Defense Serzh SARGSYAN

  Topic: Defense reforms in South Caucasus

  Dear organizers, participants, guests

  First of all I would like to greet the organizers and the participants of the seminar and congratulate for arranging such an interesting and overarching event. This is an excellent manifestation of productive cooperation between National Assembly of Armenia and NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

  Modernity, regional significance and in general the global nature of the chosen topic make us study it thoroughly and multilaterally to have an ultimate understanding of many aspects of defense reforms in South Caucasus.

  Political Military situation in South Caucasus: Regional threats

  South Caucasus has traditionally been a crossroad, where the interests and contradictions of different security forces, military political force centers, and different super powers have been focused. This fact has definitely left its footprint on historic development course of the regional states.

  In this sense South Caucasus is a specific region with its geography, history, culture, demography and with other factors characterizing its security environment. It is a crossroad of different ethnic groups, religions, cultures, and civilizations, transportation routes of international importance. Although South Caucasus occupies a relatively small area in geographical sense, nations have different world perception given their historical-cultural development, language and as a consequence national psychological features.

  These nations have for centuries been involved in wars of empires and instilling hatred and enmity between them was one of the effective ways for empires to achieve their goals and interests. As a result international distrust has been shaped in the region, often aggravating into atmosphere of hostility.

  The main part of existing international conflicts in the region have their roots in soviet period, since the demarcation lines in the South Caucasus were drawn neglecting ethnographic and demographic factors.

  After the breakdown of the Soviet Union South Caucasus found itself in a security environment facing internal and external regional threats. Internal regional threats are predominantly due to the existence of international conflicts and armed conflicts. Being at the crossroad of interests between East and West, Europe and Asia, Russia and USA, today the South Caucasus continues to bear the impact of contest among these interests.

  The mentioned factors bring about additional stimulus for different international security systems to amplify the leverages on regional states’ defense and security systems. This is the very reason that the areas providing security and the developments taking place here are prioritized and possibly politicized in the regional states.

  What refers to the security systems and military structures of South Caucasian states, it is worthy to note that these were established during armed conflicts in all three states. Armed Forces being organized under such conditions did not set the goal of being led by international standards, which is a complex and time consuming process.

  They were seeking to apply traditional and non-traditional methods to settle interethnic problems through military means. It is understandable that all the resources – economic potential, traditions, armaments, tactics and goals bore the imprint of the Soviet Union. However, under these circumstances Armenian defense complex managed to withstand Azerbajanian forces prevailing in strength and armaments and to provide both the security of the population of the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

  Thus, under such military-political conditions numerous threats come to the fore, which are related to any of the South Caucasus States and have symmetrical and asymmetrical nature. As symmetrical threats of regional security may be viewed regional unsettled conflicts and perspectives of their settlement through military means, blockade of regional economic-transportation routes, unsatisfactory course of democratization, disproportional development of regional states, differentiated approach of external regional powers and international community to regional states.

  As asymmetrical threats of regional security may be viewed international terrorism and the attempt of performing international terrorist network activities in the region, regional intolerance and atmosphere of distrust, seeding of international enmity, disinformation.

  Here it is also worthy to mention another important thing: symmetrical and asymmetrical threats are interwoven and the existence of the one may cause the derivation of the others. For example, atmosphere of intolerance and distrust may be easily abused by international terrorist organizations to breed a fertile ground to resume military operations in South Caucasus conflict areas.

  All these threats have common nature that no country in the region is able to avoid. Their ultimate defusion is impossible by individual efforts, without the assistance of international community and reforms in security and defense structures. In my opinion, this is the very goal that the defense reforms in the South Caucasus are to be targeted at.

  - Factors impacting defense reforms in South Caucasus When speaking about defense reforms in South Caucasus those major factors generating from regional political-military situation, which predetermine the direction of defense reforms here, should be taken into consideration.

  The first and the major factor is related to the existing conflicts that three South Caucasus states are involved in: Armenia and Azerbaijan – Nagorno Kharabakh conflict, Georgia – Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “No peace, no war” status greatly impacted on further development of military components as well as foreign policy of regional states and state development direction.

  As a result of these unsettled conflicts military factor plays a considerable role in state efforts of construction both in Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Moreover there are many forces in regional countries and especially in Azerbaijan that are guided by the destructive desire of settling conflicts through military means. These forces shape an atmosphere of intolerance by their bellicose policy, which involuntarily impacts on comprehensive defense reforms in Armenia and makes the authorities of the Republic of Armenia evince cautiousness.

  However it is noteworthy to mention, that by the support of international organizations, if not final settlement, at least, if possible to put it this way, “stable” and “guaranteed” freezing of the conflicts opens opportunities to conduct gradual defense reforms.

  The second important factor impacting on defence reforms in South Caucasus are international new threats. Realizing these threats and especially the effective struggle against international terrorism drastically changes traditional security perceptions. If we cast a glance on the activities of international terrorist organizations and the frames of counter-terrorist military operations, we will notice that South Caucasus occupies geographically central place within these frames. South Caucasus is a crossroad – a transit zone for Chechen, Arab-Israel, Iraqi, Afghan terrorist pockets. Here, under conditions of weak state structures, imperfect mechanisms to combat terrorism and under conditions of international conflicts, an opportunity to establish terrorist network and activities is open.

  One of the main factors impacting on defense reforms in South Caucasus is the European integration policy adopted by regional states. This policy gives wide opportunities to be involved in European security structures and to take advantage of their experience and advice. In general, intensive reforms conducted in international defense and security structures, in individual states, adopting new approaches, development of new mechanisms attest that development of common strategy, improvement of interoperability mechanisms, rapid response and peacekeeping forces, mobile teams and etc. come to overtake traditional defense structures. These factors expedite international integration processes in defense area.

  South Caucasus states have also entered into a resolute stage of European integration. It leaves its positive influence on directing defense reforms of regional states in synergy with the principles of overall European security system restructuring. Particularly both Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan are involved in international stabilization processes. It contributes to establish rapid response and peacekeeping forces in these states in line with international standards and fully interoperable with international forces.

  Anyhow there is a specific feature: three South Caucasus states conduct integration separately` refusing internal regional integration. Notwithstanding Armenia makes suggestions to establish regional security system through cooperation and integration. It is clear that the absence of internal regional integration and cooperation makes it impossible to fully provide the security despite individual reforms in security structure of South Caucasus states. Thus the absence of internal regional integration essentially impacts on the nature and direction of defense reforms. In general positive and negative factors impacting defense reforms in South Caucasus are numerous and miscellaneous which account for the cautiousness of South Caucasus states to implement defense reforms. - Standpoints of regional states on defense reforms: differences and generalities Regional and international threats and South Caucasus European Integration direction requires equivalent reforms from regional states. However the nature, objectives, intensity and direction of reforms are different in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

  Differences in standpoints of three South Caucasus states in implementing defense reforms are due to different perception of providing security and defusing threats: these differences are widely displayed in the perceptions of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

  For example, on the issue of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement we are guided by the principle of “Partnership for Peace”, suggesting to reach mutual confidence and stability through cooperation, which is the primary precondition for the conflict resolution. Azerbaijan, to the contrary, connects the establishment of cooperation with the settlement of the conflict and rebuffs any suggestion of cooperation until conflict resolution.

  Having in circulation the option of settling Nagorno Karabakh conflict through military means, authority circles of Azerbaijan have the vision of reforming Armed Forces and enhancing the capabilities truly by militarized means.

  To this end military expenses are multiplied in Azerbaijan year by year. Moreover, the recent statement of Aliev on doubling the military budget in 2006 is a challenge of arms race. Armenia, to the contrary, offers complete exclusion of military settlement of the conflict to reach success in defense reforms. This will give an opportunity not to weave defense reforms with the conflict resolution and embark upon more practical steps. But not receiving desirable response, Armenia has to and is ready to withstand rude force with force.

  Armenia and Azerbaijan hold contradictory opinions of issues on establishing regional security system and regional integration. Both the official circles of Armenia and the representatives of International community have made suggestions from different platforms on this issue, every time Azerbaijan’s refusal to start any cooperation. Moreover, by this stance Azerbaijani authorities incite other countries also to refusal. Frankly speaking, such a standpoint casts doubt on the desire of Azerbajanian authorities to conduct defense reforms in line with international standards.

  In this hostile atmosphere to have a numerous army becomes a priority for Armenia. We certainly realize that keeping a numerous army is not in line with our aspirations and priorities of European integration, democratization and reforms. However, in contrast with other priorities, which predominantly generate from our national natural interests, having a numerous Armed Forces is a compelling priority, a reliable guarantee to provide security.

  On different occasions I have noted that most effective way to provide military security and strengthen Armed Forces capabilities is military integration and reforms. This strategy is important to meet the military needs of the Armed Forces and to provide their stable development.

  To have a stable security system Armenia is actively getting involved in different security systems. Today Armenia cooperates within NATO and CSTO /Collective Security Treaty Organization/, which contributes to the establishment of Armenian Armed Forces interoperability capabilities by different international standards.

  Therefore, both Armenian-Russian military alliance within bilateral and CSTO frameworks and enhancement of cooperation with NATO organizations and USA are the guarantees providing Armenia’s security. Through Armenia-NATO cooperation Armenia implements defense reforms within the frameworks of PARP and IPAP. Reform strategy within CSTO is targeted at establishing a joint and effective system to defuse security threats.

  Despite differences in standpoints of South Caucasus countries on defense reform issues, there is a circumstance inspiring hope for their successful implementation: defense reforms in three countries proceed in the course of international integration.

  We also realize, that defense reforms constitute only a part of overall process of advanced development of statehood i.e. establishing legal state and civil society. In this process the establishment of all legislative, defense, social, economic, democratic institutions and the area of institutional reforms are interconnected and symbiotic, and cannot develop separately. Defense reforms conducted in regional states should be viewed in the context of developing the countries through reforms and democratization as one integral process, one system. It is impossible to build reformed, transparent and modern Armed Forces in economically and socially weak countries lacking democratic traditions and principles.

  Therefore, not only cooperation with NATO must be taken full advantage of but also with other European structures Council of Europe, OSCE, EU, the assistance of advanced European institutes in this sphere, “European Neighborhood policy”, Consultations of Venice commission for Democracy through Law, etc. Armenia is resolute in its decision to be guided by this principle. - The nature of defense reforms in South Caucasus region I have already noted that defense reforms in South Caucasus with their positive and negative aspects proceed in the spirit of European integration. Cooperation with Euro-Atlantic Alliance plays a considerable role in these reforms, since it is NATO who urges supports and assists in reforms.

  What refers to the nature of defence reforms, as a result of consistent policy in recent two years they have become more institutionalized` engulfing real and specific goals. Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan have joined PARP and IPAP by presenting all those goals that cooperation with NATO is to be targeted to implement them.

  By joining IPAP, Armenian on the whole presumes the following major reforms in defense field: - Development of National Security Strategy Although National Security Strategy will be developed for a transitional period it will allow three South Caucasus states to reconfirm defending nature of their activities aimed at providing national security supporting the establishment of atmosphere of mutual confidence by that.

  Particularly in Armenia’s case once again it will be proclaimed that our country is for peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict and is determined to implement policy of integration to European structures. By 2007 Republic of Armenia plans to develop the National Security Strategy and table it for broad public discussions. - Development of Defense Concept Armenia greets NATO initiative to support the development of Strategy Documents in South Caucasus states. Defense Concept of the Republic of Armenia, which will be in harmony with the defense provisions defined by the National Security Strategy, will be widely spread among population and will be approved in 2007. It will also be submitted to the discussion of the National Assembly of Armenia, which will provide the basis for near-term and long-term defense planning.

  Defense Concept of Armenia will describe the role and mission of Armenian Armed Forces and will serve as a principle document to direct reform efforts. It will provide a single united strategic direction for the Armed Forces and for other Government officials responsible for national defense. Broad circulation of Defense Doctrine across the country will foster public discussions on defense issues and will provide support to meet military needs identified in the document. Defense Strategy will play an important role to guide the efforts of Armenian Armed Forces reforms and modernization.

  - Defense system and particularly defense planning and budgeting reform Reforming this area will give an opportunity to use defense resources more effectively supporting the balance between economic growth and defense expenditures. It will greatly enhance the defense budget transparency, which will also contribute to strengthen mutual confidence in a stable security environment.

  - Strategic Defense Review This process will give an opportunity to develop and implement plans for Armed Forces improvement and transformation in accordance with tasks defined by strategic documents. The process, which is planned to conduct during defense reforms, will also continue after the completion of reforms becoming a tool for Armed Forces assessment and continuous modernization.

  - Defense Legislation and Administration Review Through this review it will be possible to identify the shortfalls in defense legislation and make necessary amendments to the legislation in parallel with defense reforms. The present legislation /”Law on Defense’, “Law on Mobilization”, “Law on Liability for Military Service”, “Law on Entering to Military Service” and other laws/ will need to be changed after Constitution reforms and approvement of National Security Strategy. Amendments have already been made in defense legislation of the Republic of Armenia. Particularly amendments were made to the “Law on liability for military service” of RA in October 2000, on 3rd July 2002 “Law on entering to Military Service” was adopted, and “Law on Alternative Military Service” of RA was adopted on 17 December 2003 and amended on 29 January 2004.

  - Increasing the system of democratic-public control of the Armed Forces will in its turn contribute to the enhancement of Armed Forces transparency and will provide more public support to the state defense policy. It is necessary to use the existing mechanisms when conducting events to increase democratic control in regional states by expanding and improving them year by year, training appropriate specialists and conducting public awareness policy.

  - Input of civilian personnel in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia

  Implementation of the above mentioned reforms will automatically necessitate the input of civilian personnel in the Armed Forces system. MOD will require civilian experts well aware of defense policy principle provisions and able to manage different spheres of national defense structure. Civilian experts can greatly contribute to the development of defense policy, legislative collaboration, legal advice, resource management, public affairs and procurements. Increasing the number of civilian experts handling issues of defense policy development and planning will assist Armenia to achieve her National Security goals. As a result of the above mentioned activities the opportunity of interoperability with European and Euro-Atlantic structures, institutional and conceptual compatibility will be expanded, without any harm at all to its cooperation within CSTO.

  Anyhow the true desire and the real understanding by the heads of regional states and public awareness policy based on that understanding is of primary significance to successfully conduct the reforms.

  This is the only possible way to smooth out existing contest, sometimes-even hostility between regional nations. Obviously it is impossible to reach stability and prosperity in South Caucasus when the head of one state speaks about European integration, compromising and peaceful settlement of conflicts, regional cooperation, but at the highest political level of the neighboring state bellicose statements are made, thus seeding own people with hostility and intolerance against the neighboring nation.

  I am confident that the continuation of impartial and balanced policy course towards Armenia and Azerbaijan by NATO and European institutions, efforts seeking to establish an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual confidence will uphold South Caucasus states to achieve cooperation through reforms and to peace and stability through cooperation.

  Thank you.

  7 October 2005

• 61-ST ROSE ROTH SEMINAR 'SECURITY IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS'

  Report by the Secretary of the National Security Council under the President of the Republic of Armenia – Minister of Defense Serzh SARGSYAN Topic: Defense reforms in South Caucasus Dear organizers, ...

• EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON CALLS ON TURKEY TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

  Members of the European Parliament Human Rights Subcommittee led by Helene Flautre last week paid a visit to the Turkish Parliament, news agency Noyan Tapan reported, citing Turkish press. During the ...

• ANCA CHALLENGES STATE DEPARTMENT EFFORT TO DEFEAT ARMENIAN GENOCIDE LEGISLATION

• VIDEO OF SYSTEM OF A DOWN ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RALLY CIRCULATING ONLINE

• YOUNG ARF MEMBERS RALLY AGAINST TURKEY'S EU BID

• PETITION TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO BE HANDED TO EU EMBASSY IN MONTEVIDEO

• LATVIA PREPARED TO ASSIST ARMENIA

• EAF DEMANDS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ISSUE BE INCLUDED IN EU-TURKEY TALKS

• EU FOREIGN MINISTERS FAIL TO REACH AGREEMENT ON TURKEY'S EU BID

• US POLICY TOWARDS KARABAKH SETTLEMENT HAS NOT CHANGED

• EU FAILS TO AGREE ON TURKEY

• NEW YORK LIFE, FRENCH INSURANCE COMPANY SING AGREEMENT ON PAYING COMPENSATIONS TO ARMENIAN POLICYHOLDERS VANISHED IN 1915 GENOCIDE

• 1726  The army of Sara Mustafa Pasha attacks Shooshee (Artsakh) and occupies it eight days later.
• 1808  The Turkish Sadrazam, Yusuf Pasha, publishes an edict limiting the rights of persons who are not Muslim.
• 1872  The Poti-Tbilissi railroad is operational.
• 1897  Turkey closes down most of the Armenian media.
• 1905  Birth of Alexander Melikpashayan (conductor). He died in 1964.

• am
• ru
• en

ARMENIAN NEWS

• 168 Hours
• A1+
• ArmeniaNow
• Aravot
• Asbarez
• Azat Artsakh
• Azg
• Lragir
• Panarmenian
• Panorama
• Armenialiberty
• Yerkir
• Hayots Ashkhar

INTERACTIVE NEWS

• News Release
• Online Radio

INFORMATION

• Weather in Armenia
• Events Calendar
• Exchange rates
• Statistics

MY ARMTOWN

• Website news
• Forum
• Poll
• News Export
• Converter