Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet (Source: Armenpress)

YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)—Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations at the United Nations, Edmond Mulet, has said that the UN itself asked Armenia to expand its engagement in peacekeeping missions, after considering the discipline and professionalism of the Armed Forces of Armenia.

Speaking to Armenpress, Mulet said, “We need the support of Armenia to realize our mandate and for effectiveness of our operations.”

Mulet hailed President Serzh Srakisian’s announcement at the UN Summit on peacekeeping operations, where he declared Armenia’s intent to strengthen its peacekeeping forces and expand its activities in peacekeeping operations.

“Armenia’s support is important not only for its contribution but also for the Armenian history and the challenges overcome during it,” Mulet said.

“The President announced the second-level hospital, which is an important contribution. It requires technical support, medical staff and medical equipment, which are expensive. We also deploy more and more troops in area where de-mining units are required for discovering and dismantling explosive devices. Armenia has offered to do either. We also permanently need helicopters, but I believe Armenia cannot provide helicopters, instead, it can provide units of engineers communication specialists,” said Mulet

According to Mulet, support can have different forms, from armed units to alternative ones. “For instance, an opinion is [being] circulated that Armenia is turning into a training center, hence, training of peacekeeping units will be also a great support,” Mulet said.