Russian, Armenian leaders discuss Karabakh, antiterror fight

Interfax news agency, Moscow
25 Mar 05

Yerevan, 25 March: The Armenian and Russian leaders have agreed
to encourage entrepreneurs of the two countries to participate in
investment and privatization projects, Russian President Vladimir
Putin told journalists in Yerevan on Friday [25 March] after holding
talks with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan.

He also said that the development of transport infrastructure had
been discussed in detail during the talks.

[Passage omitted: repetition]

Much attention was paid to regional problems during the talks,
Putin said.

“Our countries are interested in stabilizing the situation in the
Caucasus, that is, in the creation of an atmosphere of confidence,”
Putin said.

The two discussed prospects for the settlement of Nagornyy Karabakh.
In this regard, Putin said that “everybody is looking forward to the
continuation of direct contacts between the presidents of Armenia
and Azerbaijan”.

Cementing partnership relations, particularly in fighting common
threats such as terrorism, transnational crime and illegal arms and
drug trafficking, was also discussed, the president said.