Armenian Parliament Endorses Troop Deployment To Afghanistan

Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian

YEREVAN -- The Armenian parliament today overwhelmingly approved the deployment to Afghanistan in February of 40 servicemen to serve in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.

The force will comprise an army platoon, three staff officers, and one military doctor.

They will serve under German command protecting an airport in Konduz, according to Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian.

Armenia and NATO signed the agreement on the deployment last month after two years of talks.

The Armenian government does not aspire to NATO membership.