U.S. SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS FRANK
MERMOUD VISITS ARMENIA

YEREVAN, JULY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. Frank Mermoud, U.S. Special
Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the
U.S. Department of State, is visiting Armenia July 11-13. During
his visit, Mr. Mermoud met with representatives of the American
Chamber of Commerce in Armenia, other business representatives
and Armenian government officials regarding economic, commercial
and business issues. Mr. Mermoud discussed ways to further increase
U.S. investment in Armenia and noted positive cooperation between the
United States and Armenia in the economic sector. He also encouraged
all Armenians to continue to fight against corruption and to work to
increase transparency as a means of promoting economic growth.

According to the report provided to NT from the U.S. Embassy in
Armenia, Frank Mermoud has served as Special Representative for
Commercial and Business Affairs since June 3, 2002. Mr. Mermoud is
responsible for managing U.S.

commercial and business affairs programs, developing strategic advocacy
assistance for U.S. businesses, and integrating business perspectives
into U.S. foreign policy. He possesses significant private sector and
government experience, having served in such positions as Co-Founder
of SageMetrics Corporation, Executive Vice President of International
and Corporate Affairs and a member of the Board of Directors for Aegis
Communications, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department
of State, and Congressional Liaison Officer for the United States
Information Agency.