OPPOSITION LEADER DISMISSES ARMENIAN TROOPS IN IRAQ DECISION AS “OPPORTUNIST”
Noyan Tapan news agency
23 Oct 04
YEREVAN
“The decision of the authorities to send Armenian troops to Iraq is an
opportunist one. We will lose more than we will gain if the decision
is to be implemented.” This was announced at the 5th congress of the
People’s Party of Armenia on 23 October by its chairman Stepan
Demirchyan. He noted that his party wants to establish normal
relations with all regional countries. “We don’t want any conflicts in
the region where Armenia is located,” the leader said.
He spoke in favour of furthering a strategic partnership relationship
with Russia. At the same time, he regards the “Property for debts”
agreement as unacceptable. He also noted the need for promoting
Armenia’s relations with NATO. Demirchyan spoke highly of the US
assistance and help in developing Armenia’s market economy. He
stressed the need for further deepening of Armenian-US ties.