ROBERT KOCHARIAN EXPRESSES HOPE THAT KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT PROCESS TO MOVE FORWARD DURING FINLAND’S OSCE CHAIRMANSHIP

Noyan Tapan
Nov 7, 2007

HELSINKI, NOVEMBER 7, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian president Robert
Kocharian, who is on an official visit to Finland, met with his Finnish
counterpart Tarja Halonen on November 6. During a press conference
following the meeting, R. Kocharian said that the whole complex of
bilateral relations was discussed at negotiations. The president of
the RA restated the Armenian side’s intention to develop bilateral
relations with Finland and expressed satisfaction at the opportunity
to continue the political dialog established years ago.

"I am optimistic that during Finland’s OSCE chairmanship, we will be
able to move forward the process of settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict," the Finnish president Tarja Halonen stated. In his words,
Finland is preparing for assuming the OSCE chairmanship next year,
and having been involved in the settlement process since the 1990s,
it is well familiar with the Nagorno Karabakh problem, which is
"quite comlex and important for the sides."

NT was informed from the RA president’s press service that during the
visit, R. Kocharian visited the Helsinki municipality, had meetings
with the chairman of the city council and the mayor of Helsinki,
laid flowers at the Monument "Cross of Heroes" and the Mausoleum of
Marshall Mannerheim.