Armenia set to extend agreement with US on countering WMD proliferation

The Parliamentary Commission on Defence and Security in Armenia has officially approved a proposal from the Defence Ministry to extend, for the third time, the cooperation agreement with the United States aimed at countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

Deputy Defense Minister Arman Sargsyan indicated that the original agreement was signed in 2000 and has since been extended twice, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

The current proposal seeks to extend the agreement's term until November 30, 2030, highlighting Armenia’s ongoing commitment to international security and defence collaboration.

Following the Commission's approval, Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favour of the extension, subsequently placing the issue on the agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session for further deliberation.

The agreement, originally signed on July 24, 2000, in Washington, was designed to address the proliferation of WMDs, encompassing nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, along with the related technologies, materials, knowledge, and expertise. The pact also aims to prevent the unauthorized transfer, transit, and transportation of raw materials associated with such weapons.

As stipulated in the agreement, the U.S. government commits to providing the Armenian government, upon request and at no cost, with essential resources, including equipment, materials, technologies for preventing WMD proliferation, and training for personnel. In return, Armenia is responsible for ensuring the entry and exit of relevant U.S. government representatives to its territory for the execution of agreed-upon activities. Additionally, Armenia will define the procedures and conditions for the transportation of these resources.

By Tamilla Hasanova