SERZH SARKISYAN: ACTIVE STAGE IN NKR CONFLICT BEGINS

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[07:21 pm] 06 November, 2008

I believe that we must realize the existence of the issue and move
towards establishing normal relations with Turkey. Based on this
judgment, as President of the Republic of Armenia, I made the first
symbolic step by inviting Turkish President Abdullah Giul to Armenia. I
am happy that the Turkish President accepted my invitation and we
had the opportunity to start a process the result of which must be
the installment of mutual confidence. Mutual confidence can only be
created in the result of establishment of diplomatic relations without
preconditions and the implementation of multilateral cooperation
with that country," declared Serzh Sarkisyan during his meeting with
representatives of the Armenian Community of Belgium.

"As far as normal relations with our other neighbor Azerbaijan
are concerned, we see the peaceful, compromised resolution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which must guarantee the right to
self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. We are ready
to continue the talks and have the principles of Madrid serve as a
foundation. You probably know that just a couple of days ago, we signed
a joint treaty with the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan which,
I think, signals the start of a more active stage for the peaceful
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict." Serzh Sarkisyan assured
the Armenians of Belgium that Armenia is a dynamically developing
country that has a stable financial system and growing economy.

"During the first 9 months of 2008 we registered a 10.4 percent growth
in the economy in conditions of 4.2% inflation. We managed to get
through the situation as a result of the events in South Osetia,"
said Sarkisyan.

"Today, we are getting ready to counterbalance the possible influence
of the crisis on the economic growth with our proactive initiatives. In
addition, many Armenian businessmen who have come out of the crisis in
different countries are now turning to Armenia and see the necessary
stability and possibilities for their business in their Homeland."