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09/07/2004
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1) Poland, Armenia Strengthen Ties
2) Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Commend Karabagh on 13th Anniversary of
Independence
3) Khatami, Iranian Delegation to Arrive in Armenia
1) Poland, Armenia Strengthen Ties
WARSAW (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)–The presidents of Poland and Armenia vowed
Monday to continue bilateral cooperation aimed at fostering western-oriented
economic and political development in the former Soviet Caucusus republic.
Following talks with President Robert Kocharian, Polish President Aleksander
Kwasniewski termed bilateral political relations with Armenia “excellent.”
Asked whether Armenia’s membership of the European Union could one day become
a reality, Kwasniewski said though he is unable to “prophesize” about the
prospect, he offered that EU member Poland share with Armenia its almost 15
years experience in transitioning from communism to a market economy, and
dictatorship to democracy.
Kocharian noted that the most important task the South Caucasus faces is
achieving “predictable progress” to carry out political and economic reforms
necessary to attract business and investment from EU countries.
Both leaders also expressed hope that a solution would be found to the
long-standing dispute between Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan over the
territory of Mountainous Karabagh Republic.
The Armenian leader vowed to send 50 soldiers including medical personnel to
join the Polish-led multi-national contingent stationed in south-central Iraq.
The contingent is unlikely to be deployed before the end of this year.
Kwasniewski confirmed that bilateral Polish-Armenian agreements on fighting
international organized crime, as well as military, economic, and industrial
cooperation were finalized Monday in Warsaw.
The Armenian president met with Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka and the
leaders of the upper and lower houses of the Polish Parliament later on
Monday.
2) Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Commend Karabagh on 13th Anniversary of
Independence
WASHINGTON, DC–On the occasion of the 13th anniversary of Mountainous
Karabagh
Republic’s independence, US Reps. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone,
Jr.
(D-NJ), co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, commended
the people of Karabagh.
In a letter to President Arkady Ghoukasian, Knollenberg and Pallone wrote,
“Despite all the difficulties, today Nagorno Karabagh is a proud state
committed to the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and an open
civil society.”
“Today, as we extend our congratulations to the people and the authorities of
Nagorno Karabagh on the 13th anniversary of the Proclamation of the NKR, we
welcome your determination and efforts in strengthening Karabagh’s democratic
institutions and market economy.
“Karabagh has proven to be a capable, reliable, and serious partner of the
international community,” the lawmakers continued. “Peace and stability in the
South Caucasus are not possible without a contribution from Nagorno Karabagh.
We assure you of our strong commitment to Karabagh’s security and
development,”
the letter concluded.
3) Khatami, Iranian Delegation to Arrive in Armenia
YEREVAN (Armenpress)–Iran’s president Mohammad Khatami is due to arrive in
Armenia on September 8 for a two-day official visit, at the invitation of his
Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian.
His delegation will include Iran’s foreign minister, Economic Affairs and
Finance, as well as Commerce ministers, government officials, and journalists.
Kocharian and Khatami will first meet face-to-face, then hold expanded talks
with other officials. The meetings are expected to produce bilateral
agreeemnts.
Khatami will address members of the Armenia’s National Assembly and will meet
with the prime minister of Armenia, and Catholicos Karekin II. Students and
professors of Yerevan State University will also host Khatami.
The Iranian delegation will visit the Armenian Genocide Monument and
Yerevan’s
Blue Mosque. Before departing for Iran, Khatami will also meet with Iranian
citizens working in Armenia.
Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, the fifth president of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, was elected to office in May 1977.
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