ARMENIAN-BELGIAN RELATIONS ENTER NEW STAGE
By Gohar Gevorgian

AZG Armenian Daily
30/08/2006

Defense minister Serge Sargsian received yesterday senator Francois
Roelants du Viviers, chairman of Senate’s committee for external
relations and defense of Belgium. According to a press release of
Defense Ministry, the sides touched upon the obligations of South
Caucasian states on their path to the European family. The senator
emphasized recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey if the
latter wants to enter EU and dubbed unacceptable the annihilation of
ancient Armenian khachkars of Old Jugha by Azerbaijan.

Speaking about the need of deepening relations the senator said that
Belgian authorities are looking to opening an embassy in the region.

As to Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Mr. Roelants du Viviers voiced
concern over increasing military budget of Azerbaijan but stressed that
it that the size of budget does not always mean fighting efficiency
of an army. The sides also touched upon the peaceful regulation of
Nagorno Karabakh issue, issues of regional security and spheres of
mutual interest. Both sides underscored that Armenian-Belgian are
developing and they have entered a new stage.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress