VARDAN OSKANIAN: ARMENIA IS WILLING TO DEVELOP ITS RELATIONS WITH
PEACEFUL, UNITED AND DEMOCRATIC IRAQ

YEREVAN, June 24. /ARKA/. Armenia is willing to develop its relations
with peaceful, united and democratic Iraq. According to RA MFA Press
Service, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian stated about
it at the international conference on Iraq in Brussels. “Only 200
miles separate the capitals of our states, and we are most interested
in cooperation”, he said. Oskanian highly appreciated the fact of
holding a conference, adding that it’s very important for Iraqi
people, which must be aware of consistent involvement of the
international community in restoration of Iraq. “This makes sides
interested to apply more efforts to restore the country”, he
said. Oskanian added that even such small countries with moderate
possibilities and symbolic participation like Armenia understand the
value of moral support by interested observers. “Being a Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the country, which undergoes difficult transition
period, I can assure that due to consistent economic support and
long-term investments, the society will begin to believe in prospects
of peace and democracy”, he said.

Speaking about Armenia’s presence in Iraq, he noted that “the country
is rich with natural resources”. According to him, they speak not only
about the resources under ground, but also wealth of the national
diversity. “Ancient and large in number Armenia community of Iraq is a
part of that variety, and we are aware that together with other Iraqi
people they hope to have their input in prospering and peaceful future
of the country”, he said.

Oskanian left for Brussels by the invitation of the US Secretary of
State Condoliza Rice and EU Council Secretary-General Javier
Solana. The conference on Iraq in Brussels was organized at the
initiative of the USA, EU and Iraq. Delegations from 85 countries of
the world and largest international organizations will take part in
it. A.H.-0-