LITHUANIAN DEFENSE MINISTER WRAPS UP ARMENIAN VISIT
   YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS: Wrapping up a two-day visit to
Armenia, Lithuanian defense minister Gediminas Kirkilas told a news
conference today that his government welcomes Armenia’s drive to
build closer relations with the EU and NATO and its integration with
Euro-Atlantic organizations.
   “Lithuania has always been in favor of good and friendly relations
with the South Caucasus,” he said, adding also that his first
official visit to Armenia made him see that Armenia is moving
gradually towards a clear-cut definition of its strategic objectives.
   He said Armenia’s participation in NATO-sponsored events is very
important and welcomed Armenia’s decision to send a peace-keeping
mission to Iraq.
   His Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian said they had discussed a
wide range of bilateral issues.
   Kirkilas also visited the Genocide Memorial in Yerevan to pay
respect to 1.5 million Armenians killed by the government of the
Ottoman Turkey between 1915-1923.
   “Politicians have to work hard so that no genocides happen in
future,” he said, adding that the Armenian genocide must be condemned
by all civilized nations. He also said Lithuania’s foreign ministry
should look into whether his government could recognize it
officially.
   Before leaving Armenia, Kirkilas was also received by prime
minister Andranik Margarian and foreign minister Vartan Oskanian.
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