ARMENIAN NEWLY APPOINTED FOREIGN MINISTER PRESENTED TO THE STAFF

ARMENPRESS
April 16, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 16, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
introduced the newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Edward
Nalbandian to the staff of the ministry, Armenian presidential press
service told Armenpress.

During the meeting S. Sargsian expressed assurance that not only
the diplomats but also a wide circle of the Armenian society knows
Edward Nalbandian, assess his activity, professional skills and what
is the most important – the results of work. He said that in the new
position E. Nalbandian will be able to disclose all his skills and
be useful for the country.

The president thanked Vartan Oskanian, a person who 10 years led the
Armenian Foreign Ministry and presented our country to the world with
dignity. He expressed assurance that the experience of V. Oskanian
and his skills will be useful for the solution of the issues of
the country.

During the meeting the president also spoke about the issues of
Armenia’s foreign policy. He said that the country’s foreign policy
must become more active, dynamic, and Armenia must be able to be
fully involved in the international life, continue boosting relations
with countries and international organizations. In this respect he
highly underscored the creation of favorable conditions for the fair
regulation of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

S. Sargsian said that Armenia has always supported the
self-determination right of the Nagorno Karabakh people and will
continue the adopted policy.

"We want peaceful regulation of the Karabakh conflict. We are not
afraid of war but at the same time we do not want it," he pointed out.

One of the serious issues of foreign policy, the president considered
the expansion of economic ties with countries and noted that with many
countries political relations are on a high level but the economic
ties are weak.

"We have great potential for it and we must use it at its best,"
he said.

Serzh Sargsian also underscored the work with Diaspora and the full
usage of its potential.

He noted that the issue of the international recognition of the
Armenian genocide will remain one of priorities of the Armenia’s
foreign policy.

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian thanked for the
trust and said that he assumes responsibility and is ready to double
his efforts and opportunities for the solution of the issues of the
Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Vartan Oskanian on his turn expressed gratitude to the staff of the
ministry for their devoted work without which it would have been
impossible to carry out successful work. He also expressed readiness
to use his accumulated experience and knowledge for the consolidation
of Armenia.