The Gazette (Montreal)
October 13, 2006 Friday
Final Edition

Minister here next week

CanWest News Service

Armenia’s foreign minister will pay a politically charged visit to
Ottawa next week, six months after the Harper government formally
recognized the Armenian genocide and angered its NATO ally Turkey in
the process.

Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian will make the first official visit
by an Armenian politician since Canada acknowledged the genocide of
1915 in which 1.5 million people were killed.

The action angered Turkey, which warned it could have economic
implications. A leading Turkish newspaper has speculated Canadian
companies might be barred from bidding on contracts related to a
nuclear power plant.

Canada has about $760 million invested in Turkey.

Babikian said his visit was aimed at cementing future relations
between the two countries, including enhancing economic co-operation.

There are currently 75 joint ventures between the two countries, he
said.
From: Baghdasarian