Invitation sent to Putin
A few hours ago the opening ceremony of "Cooperation-2012" joint military exercises with the participation of the collective rapid response forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) took place at the Baghramyan training ground.
Among those present were Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, Chief of the General Sraff Yuri Khachaturov, and military officials of the member states. The military exercises are held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the CSTO and the 10th anniversary of Armenia's membership in that organization.
The minister said that he personally saw the tents and was satisfied with the conditions and that everything is ready for holding the exercises.
The CSTO military exercises are being held for the fourth time. It is the first time that they are taking place in Armenia.
The representatives of the CSTO attached special importance to its existence as an organization set up to ensure peace in CIS member states. They stated that nothing threatens the security of CIS as long as there is "friendship and cooperation of CIS countries".
As regards Russian President Vladimir Putin's presence at the military exercises, spokesman for the Defense Ministry Artsrun Hovahannisyan said that they have sent an invitation to Putin, but they do not know if he will come or not.
The closing ceremony of the military exercises is scheduled for September 19. President Serzh Sargsyan will attend it.
