US NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND INAUGURATED IN YEREVAN
Armenpress
YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS: President Robert Kocharian, government
members, heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Armenia and reporters
were invited to a ceremony today marking the opening of a new compound
of the US embassy in Armenia. Located on the bank of Yerevan Lake on
the road running to Etchmiadzin, the embassy is the second biggest
building overseas, owned by the government of the USA.
Built on a nine-hectare site, this project, which was concluded
in August 2001 and budgeted at $76 million, is a demonstration of
Washington’s growing interest in Armenia.” Eighteen million of that
money were used for purchase of Armenian building materials and
recruiting local workers.
Deputy ambassador Anthony Godfrid said the diplomatic mission houses
five buildings, one of which will be assigned for Marines, of whom
there are now only six people, but their number may increase soon.
The government of USA paid Armenia $5 million for the land plot. The
embassy has a rich library accessible to all. It also provides a
special room for those standing in line for visas.
US ambassador John Evans said the new embassy compound symbolizes the
durability of relations between USA and Armenia. “Since 1991 when
Armenia became independent the government of USA has been working
with its government to develop democracy, establish market relations
and free economy,” Evans said, adding that his government appreciates
Armenia highly for its role in fighting international terrorism. He
also said Washington will continue to work with Yerevan and Baku to
seek ‘a just solution to the Karabagh conflict,” which would require
compromises from both sides.