RIA Novosti, Russia
July 19 2004

RUSSIA CONTRIBUTES TO ARMENIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH MORE THAN OTHER
COUNTRIES

YEREVAN, July 19 (RIA Novosti’s Gamlet Matevosyan) – According to 54%
of Armenians, Russia contributes to Armenia’s economic growth more
than other countries do. These are the results of the poll conducted
by the Armenian Center of Strategic and National Research from June
20 to July 12, 2004.

12% of the polled believe that the U.S. helps Armenia’s development,
2% think it is France, 1,5% are for Iran, 0.3% – for Turkey, Germany
and Georgia was called by 0.2% each, the center told RIA Novosti.

Meanwhile, 13.3% believe that no country contributes to Armenia’s
economic development.

32.6% of the polled think that Armenia should have close economic
relations with the CIS countries, 13.9% – with the European Union, 7%
– with the countries of the region (Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and
Iran), 2.7% – with the U.S. and Canada and 35.3% – with all
countries.

According to 44% of the polled, the Armenian diaspora abroad is
playing a significant role in Armenia’s development, great role
according to 25.8%, small according to 23.1% and no role at all
according to 6.6%.

All in all, 1,127 people from Yerevan and all Armenian regions aged
18-90 were polled.