FORMER COMMANDER OF SHUSHI BATTALION AGAINST SENDING ARMENIAN SPECIALIST TO IRAQ

Zhirayr Sefilian, the former commander of the Shushi battalion that was one of the most disciplined and battle-worthy elements taking part in the Artsakh war (now coordinator of Protection of Liberated Territories non-governmental initiative), today wrote an open letter to the Armenian National Assembly deputies, calling to vote against the decision of sending Armenian military specialists to Iraq. “No one can advance even a single logical argument that would justify Armenia’s participation in the American-British venture in Iraq. You know there is no such reason…
Don’t you dare to discredit the honor of our arms. Each deputy, moreover, each faction has to do everything not to admit ratification of the treaty,” the letter specifically says.
It should be reminded that at a special meeting of the Armenian Parliament December 24 the issue of sending Armenian military specialists (physicians, sappers, drivers) will be discussed. Most opposition parties of the country came against such a decision. Former head of the State Security Service of Armenia Ashot Manucharian called everyone being in favor of sending the Armenian contingent to Iraq his personal enemy. At the same time, another former head of the Service, one of the eminent figures of Armenian National Movement former ruling party David Shahnazarian stated that it is one of the few items on which he agrees with the incumbent authorities. Meanwhile “Aravot” newspaper reports that Lincy American Foundation assigning $100 million for restoration of agriculture in Armenia is conditioned with the issue of sending the contingent to Iraq. US Ambassador to Armenia J. Evans also reminded that Armenia is on the first place in Eurasia on per capita US aid being provided. The Ambassador said that understanding the concern of the Armenian society, he welcomes Armenia’s decision to send troops in Iraq. The Armenian public first of all worries about the fate of the Armenian Diaspora in Arab countries that can undergo an even more danger by Islamic radicals.