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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
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Minister Oskanian Visits Cyprus, Discusses Melkonian

Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vartan Oskanian, paid a two
day working visit to the Republic of Cyprus on May 19 and 20, and
met with high level officials.

With his colleague, Foreign Minister Georgios Iacovou, the two
discussed prospects for deeper bilateral relations, especially
in light of Cyprus’s membership in the European Union. The Cypriot
Foreign Minister expressed readiness to assist Armenia in its efforts
at European integration. The two ministers agreed that it is necessary
to bring the positive developments regarding the inclusion of Armenia
in the European Union’s Wider Europe – New Neighborhood Initiative
to their natural conclusion.

The Cypriot Foreign Minister discussed in detail the UN plan for
Cypriot reunification, and he stressed that the Greek Cypriot vote of
April 24 rejected the Annan plan and not the idea of reunification. He
reiterated that the Cypriot leadership remains ready for a negotiated
settlement for the island’s reunification.

Foreign Minister Oskanian outlined the recent discussions and meetings
that have taken place on the Nagorno Karabakh process, and also spoke
about Armenia’s internal situation.

During the visit, the Foreign Minister was received by the President of
the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos as well as the President
of the Cypriot Parliament, Demetris Christofias. Minister Oskanian
reiterated the formal invitations made to both of them to visit
Armenia.

Minister Oskanian also met with the Cypriot Interior Minister,
Andreas Christou, and the Mayor of Nicosia Michalakis Zambelas. Among
other matters of mutual interest, they explored the situation of
the Melkonian Educational Institute. The Cypriot officials expressed
their concern about the possible future closing of the institution and
promised to do what they can in order for that educational institution
to continue to serve its mission.

The Minister and his delegation left Cyprus on Thursday, May 20,
to return to Yerevan.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress