On June 20th on the square after Grigor Tatevatsi with solemnity was observed the 18th anniversary of the 1st army corpus. Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, high-ranking servicemen were present. 1st corpus Commander Colonel Tigran Parvanyan in his speech presented the glorious path of the corpus and assured that today it is also ready to implement any combat mission.

What might be forgiven for the actor of my age, is not excusable for a soldier of homeland. According to me the soldier should be the symbol of strength, health, pure lifestyle. I’m very happy that the Defense Ministry has started a marathon against smoking under the slogan “Army without smoking”. As we say – in a healthy body – healthy mind.

After gaining independence an effective system of cooperation has been formed between the defense departments of our countries. 2010 was a watershed in the sphere of military cooperation when the annual plan of military cooperation was signed between the ministries of defense, and this tradition continues till now. In the plan are included peacekeeping, mountain preparation, military education etc. The plan also provides for the exchange of experience in core areas.
As for the prospects of the Armenian-Georgian cooperation, it should be noted that currently opportunities are being explored to start cooperation in new areas.

Artillery training unit has become truly powerful forge of preparation of junior commanders – artillery professionals. Since last year regiment’s commander is Colonel A.Petrosyan.
From May 3 to 14 the regiment conducted theoretical trainings in the training ground after Marshal Baghramyan.

Aviation department Head Colonel A.Nersisyan tells that for the regiment the year of 2013 completed with fruitful work. Among the arm it was recognized the best and after 4-year gap again was awarded with Banner of Honour.

On the night of May 28, on the southern direction of the contact line of the Armenian-Azerbaijani troops the enemy attempted invasion. During the confrontation the Army of Defense got one loss. That was lance-corporal Erick Gasparyan born in1995. Four of the soldiers with firearm wounds were transported to Yerevan, Central military clinical hospital and continue treatment there. During this period Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan and AoD commander Lt. General Movses Hakobyan visited them.

Erdoghan has made a few statements that they have to refuse from the European Union, but that is not realistic. Nazarbayev has only made a gesture. The West has strong resistance to EEC, and Turkey, besides being the West’s ally, is also a NATO member. In case if Turkey enters EEC, it must refuse from NATO.