During peacekeeping missions in international spheres the Armenian peacekeepers have always shown high readiness, responsibility and humanitarian characteristic features. This was once again mentioned on the 9th of January, 2010 during the see-off ceremony of the Armenian peacekeepers to Afghanistan.

Greeting the Armenian peacekeepers the RA Minister of Defence Seyran Ohanyan particularly said, “Dear peacekeepers, I assure you that by doing your mission in Afghanistan and having even little input in the international security building process, you provide enormous service to your Motherland and to the international society. I assure you that the management of the Ministry of Defence always holds your service in the centre of attention and does not underestimate the work you do to the protection of our borders. And if your friends, day and night, keep the posts invincible on the borders of our motherland, then you enforce these posts in the international sphere. For you embody the Armenian soldier in international sub-units. Thus, you ought to accomplish your mission with great responsibility and hold elevated the fame, honor and the triumphant spirit of the Armenian soldier. Remember, that every action and every step you take must proceed from the inducement of fighting spirit, honesty, valour and humanity. While carrying out the mission remember, that you are guests for the Afghani people, and that your mission is to protect them: be watchful and always weigh your steps – while driving, while communicating, while providing assistance and while serving in general. Try to evaluate your actions through the eyes of the Afghani people in order to keep the reputation and honour of the Armenian soldier high. I am sure that you will honourably discharge your duties and after some months you will proudly return to the Motherland. Taking the opportunity I should thank our colleagues in Germany, as well, for comprehensive material and moral assistance due to which an effective and secure service is assured for our staff in Afghanistan. I wish you a safe service and return home.” The Armenian sub-unit, which consists of 40 militants, under the “North” regional command of the NATO International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in the German colon will be placed in Kunduz region of Afghanistan. The main mission of the Armenian group will be to ensure security in the Airport of Kunduz together with the German forces. The Armenian colon first will take part in the pre-departure trainings in Germany, after which it will leave for the Islamic State of Afghanistan. The group of drivers has already left for Germany, and the departure of the core staff is on the 17th of January, 2010. As Schmidt (the ambassador of Germany to Armenia) stated during the see-off ceremony, the German side has already signed all the documents and their best has been done to assure a safe and effective service for the Armenian peacekeepers. RA MoD Department of Information and Public Affairs