MATTHEW BRYZA: ARMENIA SHOULD NOT BE LEFT OUT OF REGIONAL COOPERATION PROGRAMS

Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Oct 4 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 4, NOYAN TAPAN. Issues of regional cooperation in the
energy sector, Armenia’s energy security problems, and the necessity
to increase the country’s involvement in regional programs were
discussed at the October 4 meeting of the Armenian Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian and the US Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group
Matthew Bryza. M. Bryza, who as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
for European and Eurasian Affairs deals with Armenia-related problems,
stated that the position of the US on this issue is definite: Armenia
should not be left out of yhe regional cooperation programs.

According to him, during quite an efficient cooperation with the
former US ambassador to Armenia, considerable work has been done in
order to develop versions of possible US assistance for Armenia’s
economic development and strengthening of its security, democracy and
stability. In the words of M. Bryza, it is hard to succeed in these
issues without a close cooperation with the Armenian government.

A. Margarian in his turn noted that the Armenian government is prepared
to cooperate and support any proposal proceeding from the interests of
Armenia: the matter concerns democratization, the holding of national
elections in line with international standards, maintaining political
stability, and developing the Armenian economy.

The interlocutors also spoke about Armenia’s efficient cooperation with
the Millennium Challenge Corporation. M. Bryza noted with satisfaction
that Armenia was the first country to immediately set about its work
after signing the agreement. He wished success to the program.