DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005

ACTIVATION OF NK TALKS CAN RESULT IN AN AGREEMENT, BELIEVES KOCHARYAN

“Since 1994 we have been negotiating with Azerbaijan within the
framework of the OSCE MG. There were moments, when the parties were
close to solution of the problem; however, something hampered it and
the negotiations became passive. At present there is some activation in
the negotiation process and he hope we’ll manage to achieve success”,
stated RA President Robert Kocharyan at the joint press conference
with President of Finland Tarja Halonen on the outcomes of Armenian –
Finnish talks on September 27.

Touching upon the issue referring to international participation in
the settlement process Robert Kocharyan noted international structures
should interfere with the issue after the parties had adopted an
agreement. “We take a favorable view of the international community’s
participation in the issue and we hope as soon as the parties reach
political consensus assistance – both economic and political – will
increase”, stated RA President.

In the course of the press conference Robert Kocharyan expressed
satisfaction concerning the meeting’s outcomes and pointed out the
necessity of development of relations with Finland, especially in
the context of development of cooperation with the EU.

In her turn, T. Halonen highly estimated Armenia’s participation in
the EU program titled “Enlarged Europe. New Neighbors”. She stated
Finland would promote Armenia in the process of Euro integration.