Yerevan /Mediamax/. Special Representative of NATO Secretary General in the South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai stated that Armenia is an “important” country for the Alliance.

Mediamax reports referring the Russian service of “America’s Voice” that James Appathurai said this in Washington, speaking of NATO’s plans for future concerning current and future partners of the Alliance. 

James Appathurai stated that Georgia has repeatedly expressed a wish to enter NATO, and most likely it will realize its dream. 

“Georgia will become a NATO member, as soon as all parameters in the country meet the standards required for membership”, Alliance representative stated, and hurried to stress that potential membership of new partners in NATO should not concern Russia, which enters a new era of cooperation with the West. 

Speaking of countries, which are close to both Russia and NATO, James Appathurai mentioned Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. 

Appathurai described these countries as “important for NATO”, singling out the participation of Armenia and Uzbekistan in ISAF operation in Afghanistan. 

James Appathurai, who had been occupying the position of NATO Spokesman over the past years, was appointed Special Representative of NATO Secretary General in the South Caucasus and Central Asia in December, 2010. He substituted American diplomat Robert Simmons on this position. 

According to the information Mediamax possesses, James Appathurai plans to visit the South Caucasus region by the end of March.