M. Hakobian: There is no need to deploy peacekeepers in NKR

There was no talk about the deployment of peacekeeping forces. I think there is no need to do it as the NKR Defense Army can ensure the security of Artsakh people. Nagorno Karabakh and our army don’t need any peacekeeping forces. This issue was not discussed and will never be discussed,” Defense Minister of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Movses Hakobian said at a press conference today in response to a question of Karabakh-open.info in connection with rumors about the possible deployment of peacekeeping forces in the NKR after Armenia joins the Customs Union.

Responding to a question about the arms race and participation of the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri in case of a possible war in ensuring security within the CSTO framework, the minister said: “We are very strong and there is nothing to worry about. Regardless of the military base in Gyumri and agreements with the CSTO, we will perform the task set before us, I don’t doubt that”.

As regards Armenia’s work on cooperation with CSTO or NATO, the minister said that those measures are aimed at strengthening the country’s security system and non-resumption of war. In his words, the Armenian armed forces will easily perform their task.

“All our actions are aimed at non-resumption of war, but if this happens, we will not sit by idly. We will arm ourselves as much as we need in order to do our task. Next year you will hear about purchase of new arms and long-range weapons,” Movses Hakobian said.