On October 31, Major General Karen Sargsyan, the Chief of the RA NSS Protection Department and Deputy Commander of the CSTO Peacekeeping Forces, took part in working discussions with the leadership of the CSTO Protection and Security Structures, led by CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas. The discussions were attended by the heads of the CSTO Protection and Security Structures, representatives of the Yerevan city administration, and officials of the rescue-firefighting unit. The purpose of the meeting was to review the ongoing operational activities. They evaluated the performance of the RA NSS Peacekeeping Forces over the past ten months, highlighting their achievements, problems, and challenges.

During the period of 2023, the “911” emergency center and the ANPOCs received a total of 1,437,071 calls. This number represents an 18% increase compared to the first ten months of 2022, with 219,729 more calls. In the Republic of Armenia, there were a total of 11,594 incidents, out of which 167 people were rescued, and sadly, 422 people lost their lives. Among the deceased, 310 were from the Armed Forces, 32 were from accidents, 14 from drowning, and the rest from other causes.

To effectively carry out emergency response tasks, the NSS notified relevant authorities to ensure the safety of highways, particularly in mountainous areas. They also focused on preparatory work for rescue operations, technical support, constructing and improving shelters, and implementing other necessary measures.

As a result of the discussions, the NSS leader instructed the continuation of active work in personnel training, improving commander training, and implementing more efficient operations during emergencies. At the end of the meeting, the Chief of the NSS presented the results and expressed gratitude to several officials for their active participation in organizing and executing operational decisions.

Furthermore, Kamoyts Chuchsulyan, the Director of the Rescue Service of the MES, presented the findings and suggested certain amendments and clarifications regarding the work and activities of the service. The Deputy Commander of the Peacekeeping Forces underlined the importance of continuous training and education in educational institutions, enhancing the training of commanders, and ensuring rapid and efficient implementation of emergency response measures.

In conclusion, the Chief of the Peacekeeping Forces emphasized the results and provided recommendations for further organizing the work, emphasizing the value of highly skilled rescuers. It is crucial to recognize and value the efforts of these brave individuals who save lives during emergencies.