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Armenian Foreign Minister continues visit to Washington
On July 15, the second day of his visit to Washington , Minister Edward
Nalbandian visited the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he
delivered a speech on Armenian Foreign policy.
In his speech Minister Nalbandian focused on the Armenian – US relations,
issues of security and stability in South Caucasus, Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process and Armenian – Turkish relations. Then he answered a numerous
questions concerning different directions of Armenian Foreign policy.
Minister Nalbandian also met David Kramer, US Assistant Secretary of State
for Human Rights. In the course of the meeting the sides discussed measures
undertaken by the Armenian Government to overcome obstacles in the process
of democratic reforms, emerged as the result of post electoral developments
in Armenia.
Minister Nalbandian presented the steps of the Armenian Government aimed at
the implementation of the provisions of the PACE resolutions 1609 and 1620.
He noted, that democratic reforms are the conscious choice of the Armenian
people and the Armenian Government is determined to continue and deepen that
process not only because of the commitments with respect to the European
structures or appeals of friendly countries, but also because first of all
it is in the interest of Armenia and the Armenian people. Underlining the
serious steps assumed in this direction, Edward Nalbandian also added that
Armenian authorities understand, that there’s still a lot to do and they are
firm in their decision to advance in that way.
Mr. Kramer shared the opinion of Minister Nalbandian and noted, that the
United States, as a friendly country, desire that Armenia overcomes the
difficulties and relying on a firmer base continues its democratic
development. Mr. Kramer added that for that purpose the USA is ready to
render necessary assistance to the Armenian Government.
During the meeting with Ambassador John Danilovich, the Chief Executive
Officer for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Edward Nalbandian
discussed issues connected with resumption of Corporation’s programmes in
Armenia in full scale, stressing their economic and political significance
in the context of Armenian – US bilateral relations.
Ambassador Danilovich noted, that corporation’s staff evaluated as effective
the joint work done in Armenia and hoped that in September the Executive
Council of Millennium Challenge Corporation would have an opportunity to
reaffirm correspondence of Armenia with the Corporation standards.
Minister Nalbandian said that the Armenian Government on his last session
decided to allocate about 17 mln. US dollars for the implementation of the
commitments by Millennium Challenge Foundation – Armenia, on the
construction of rural roads, which is an expression of determination of
Armenian authorities to support the continuation of program.
On the same day Minister Nalbandian visited the US Congress where he met
Congressman, Co-chair of Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues Joseph
Knollenberg and members of the Caucus.
Armenian Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to the Congressmen for the
years-long of pro- Armenian activity and stressed the role of the Armenian
Caucus in strengthening of Armenian-US relations.
Congressmen presented activity of the Caucus and its future projects. They
also noted that they consider themselves friends of Armenia and will
continue their activity in favour of Armenia and the Armenian people.
Touching upon the issue of ensuring regional security Minister Nalbandian
focused his counterparts’ attention on the militant rhetoric of Azerbaijan.
He also mentioned, that Azerbaijan obviously violates international treaties
on restrictions of conventional armament, particularly the provisions of the
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, an this is not receiving
proper attention of the international community.
On the request of the Congressmen Minister Nalbandian presented recent
developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace-process, Armenia’s position on
perspectives of Armenian – Turkish relations, as well as the process of
democratic reforms in Armenia.