Armenian minister praises ties with Arab countries

Arminfo
12 Jan 05

YEREVAN

The tense atmosphere that emerged in the region as a result of the
Iraqi war in 2004 had a negative effect on Armenia’s cooperation with
Arab countries, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan told a news
conference today while reporting on the results of 2004.

The minister noted that the situation in Iraq caused Armenia’s concern
due to the presence of an Armenian community in this
country. Therefore, Armenia decided to take part in restoration
programmes in Iraq, sending a peacekeeping contingent there. At the
same time, the minister noted that Armenia’s relations with Arab
countries and Israel were dynamic.

Thus, in 2004 agreement was reached on granting Armenia observer
status in the Arab League. The minister noted that apart from Saudi
Arabia, which is abstaining from establishing diplomatic relations
with Armenia as before, Armenia’s relations with Lebanon, Egypt and
Syria are developing more dynamically.

Vardan Oskanyan also noted that the United Arab Emirates’ interest in
Armenia had increased recently. Vardan Oskanyan said that in 2004
Armenia successfully cooperated with Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Sudan
in international organizations. Certain progress was also achieved in
Armenian-Israeli relations.