ArmInfo.Andranik Kocharian, Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Commission on Defense and Security, met with US Ambassador to Armenia Lynn Tracy. This was reported by the press service of the parliament.
According to the source, the ambassador noted that the ground is being prepared for more effective discussions on topics of bilateral interest.
Noting the priorities of the commission, Kocharian emphasized the main points in which the Government of Armenia and the National Assembly are most interested. Touching upon the 40% growth of US financial assistance provided to Armenia in 2019, the chairman of the commission noted that part of these funds will be aimed at combating corruption, protecting human rights and solving other important issues. In this context, he highlighted the strengthening of morale, statutory discipline and the protection of the rights of military personnel in the Armed Forces.
Turning to the expert capabilities of the commission, Kocharian found re-training programs and exchange of experience with specialists of the US Congress useful. Lynn Tracy praised Armenia's contribution to international peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Lebanon. Kocharian noted that Armenia pursues a balanced foreign policy, being both a CSTO member state and an associate member of NATO, and on the path to reform in the RA Armed Forces is interested in learning from successful experience.
The parties also touched upon issues of quality military education, agreeing that on the threshold of reforms in the Armed Forces, the introduction of highly intellectual capabilities and the acquisition of modern military equipment are equally important.
Ambassador Tracy, referring to the activities of the commission of inquiry to study the circumstances of the April military operations in 2016, asked about the presence of certain conclusions of the commission. Kocharian informed that the said commission has been working for 6 months, a large volume of documents has been studied, a number of former and current army officials have been heard. In the coming months, the commission will summarize the work and in June will present a conclusion. Part of it will be available to the public, and the non-public part will remain closed. The parties expressed readiness for cooperation .