Karabakh issue main obstacle to Armenia’s development – French envoy

Noyan Tapan news agency
29 Mar 05

YEREVAN

Speaking at the [Armenian] parliamentary hearings on the settlement of
the Nagornyy Karabakh problem on 29 March, the French ambassador to
Armenia, Henry Cuny, outlined the importance of the discussions “since
peace is an important factor and war is a tragedy”.

The ambassador stressed that with this speech, he did not mean to
interfere in the resolution of the Karabakh problem because this issue
should be resolved between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“I have been in Armenia for three years and I can state that Karabakh
has become a Gordian knot for Armenia. Despite the double-digit
economic growth, Armenia’s trade and economic potential is not being
exploited in full,” Henry Cuny said.

The closure of the borders is becoming an obstacle to small businesses
and investors. Transport expenses, a small market, limited purchasing
capacity and small population are also barriers. At the same time, the
high level of education and hard work can be a unique trump card for
Armenia in the region.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS