In recent years, Armenia has experienced significant territorial and political setbacks, yet the international community continues to anticipate more difficult decisions and concessions from the nation. This sentiment was echoed by Tigran Abrahamyan, a member of the Armenian National Assembly, who expressed concern over the ongoing Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement process.
Abrahamyan highlighted a statement from the spokesperson of the U.S. Secretary of State, which emphasized the need for both Armenia and Azerbaijan to make serious compromises to reach a peace agreement. He remarked, "In the last six years, Armenia has conceded positions in all possible directions, faced war, aggression, pressure, threats, and blackmail, resulting in substantial human and territorial losses. Yet, it appears there are still expectations for further difficult decisions and serious concessions from Armenia."
Abrahamyan questioned whether this approach aligns with the international understanding of achieving peace. He speculated on the possible expectations of Azerbaijan and Turkey, which have frequently voiced their demands publicly. Despite these challenges, the Pashinyan government maintains that it is steering the country towards peace, although Abrahamyan suggested that the public is being prepared for additional concessions, with international actors playing a role in this narrative.
Armenian-American Military Exercise "Eagle Partner-2024" Commences
Amidst these political tensions, the Armenian-American joint military exercise "Eagle Partner-2024" was inaugurated on July 15 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy, under the auspices of the RA Ministry of Defense. The opening ceremony saw the presence of RA Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan and U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia, Christina Quinn, among other dignitaries.
The event began with the national anthems of Armenia and the United States, followed by the anthem of the "Eagle Partner" military exercise. Both RA Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and U.S. Ambassador Christina Quinn addressed the soldiers involved in the exercise. Minister Papikyan expressed his gratitude towards the U.S. ground troops in Europe and Africa, the Kansas National Guard, and other participants for their role in the preparatory process. He emphasized the significance of this cooperation in enhancing the interoperability of units engaged in international peacekeeping missions.
The ceremony concluded with a solemn procession, marking the start of the exercise, which runs from July 15 to 24. The "Eagle Partner-2024" exercise aims to prepare units for international peacekeeping missions through stabilization operations between conflicting parties. It involves the peacekeeping brigade of the RA Armed Forces, the U.S. ground forces in Europe and Africa, and the Kansas National Guard.
This joint exercise is part of ongoing efforts to increase the readiness and interoperability of participating units, exchange best practices in management and tactical communication, and prepare for future peacekeeping operations. Such collaborations are vital for enhancing the capabilities of Armenia's peacekeeping forces and strengthening international military partnerships.
