The NATO “Armenia 2010” natural disaster response exercises, in which 15 nations from the Euro-Atlantic Partnership have participated, have come to a close in Lousakert, Armenia. 600 participants and 40 observers converged on Armenia to take part. The exercises were conducted to test the readiness of emergency rescue response teams if an earthquake were to hit thge Kotayk region, resulting in the death of 12,000 citizens and 17,000 injured and the destruction of basic public services such as water, gas and communications. The exercise was also to respond to a serious of environmental disaters such as an accident occuring at the Abovyan Chemical Plant. In the planned scenario, an overwhelmed and paralyszed Armenia calls on the international community to assist. Photos - Gagik Shamshyan