MRS. HALONEN HOPES PROGRESS WILL BE REGISTERED IN THE KARABAKH ISSUE DURING OSCE FINNISH PRESIDENCY

armradio.am
07.11.2007 10:58

"I’m optimistic that during Finnish presidency of the OSCE we shall be
able to move forward the process of the Karabakh conflict settlement,"
Finland’s President Tarja Halonen said during a joint press conference
with visiting President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan.

According to her, Finland is properly preparing to assume the OSCE
presidency next year, and having been involved in the settlement
process ever since 1990, it is well-familiar with the Karabakh issue.

"We understand the special interest of the Armenian people in the
issue, and now I can state that we shall be trying to intensify
the process," Mrs. Halonen said. Expressing the satisfaction of the
Finnish side with the visit of President Robert Kocharyan and the
Armenian official delegation, she noted there are three reasons for
this. First, the relations between Armenia and Finland are very good,
and these must be reinforced in the future. The second reason is
associated with the Finnish presidency of the OSCE next year. The
third reason is Armenia’s being a country of the Black Sea region,
and the European Union seeks to establish close ties with these
states. The President of Finland attached importance to personal
ties as well: during her visit to Armenia two years ago Halonen had
a number of remarkable meetings. According to the Finnish President,
all the above-mentioned directions were discussed during the meeting
with Robert Kocharyan.

Thanking for warm reception, RA president Robert Kocharyan noted
that the whole framework of bilateral relations was discussed during
the negotiations. He reconfirmed the willingness of the Armenian
side to develop the bilateral relations with Finland and expressed
appreciation for the fact that an opportunity has been provided to
continue the political dialogue established years ago.