MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: press@mfa.am:

PRESS RELEASE
30 December 2004

Minister Oskanian receives Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for
HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe

On November 30th, Minister Oskanian received Mr. Lars O. Kallings, the
Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe,
who is in Armenia for a regional visit.

At the meeting both parties stressed the importance of coordinating efforts
in a fight against the disease, both on international and national levels,
and through engaging governmental structures, health and public
institutions. In this respect Minister Oskanian stressed that social
awareness should be increased as necessary.

Minister Oskanian used statistics from 1988-2004 to illustrate the situation
of AIDS in Armenia. Although the number of infected persons in Armenia is
comparatively small, both sides emphasized that the government must maintain
its focus on this issue.

According to the minister, Armenia has already gained experience in its
struggle against AIDS, and in the frame of combating the “20th century
disease” is ready to cooperate with various organizations, especially with
the UN.

Mr. Kallings has stressed the important work of the Commission, established
with mutual efforts of Armenian governmental structures, public
institutions, and international organizations. The Commission is closely
cooperating with Global Fund Organization, exchanging data and experience
with the similar commissions in other countries. The Fund supplies AIDS
medicine to infected persons for free. It has provided similar assistance to
Armenia, amounting to a sum of 7.5 million USD.