SPEAKER OF ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT THANKS USA FOR AID TO ARMENIA

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
March 8 2006

YEREVAN, March 8. /ARKA/. At his meeting with Matthew Bryza, Durputy
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs,
Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Artur Baghdasaryan expressed his
gratitude to the USA for its aid to Armenia.

Speaker Baghdasaryan pointed out that the USA’s economic support
to Armenia is accompanied by support in democratic reforms in the
country. The sides discussed Armenian-American relations, pointing
out the importance of democratic development in Armenia. Bryza pointed
out that democratic reforms are a way to the settlement of conflicts,
energy security and economic development.

He emphasized the importance of struggle against corruption in the
context of investments in the country.

The sides also stressed the importance of the Millennium Challenges
program.