FM ON VISIT TO ARMENIA

ANA
07/03/2009

Greek foreign minister and Organisation for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE) chairperson-in-office Dora Bakoyannis was in Yerevan on
Friday, where she met with her Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian.

Speaking to the press afterwards, Bakoyannis said: "It is a real
pleasure to be in Yerevan. A Greek feels like home in Armenia. Our
peoples have shared too much history together and this has built
strong, long lasting ties that continue to serve as a catalyst for
our two countries’ relations. The signing of the aviation agreement
is testimony of our excellent relations".

"I am here today both in my capacity as Chairperson of the OSCE
and as the Foreign Minister of Greece. I am here as a friend who can
contribute in Armenia’s path towards a closer relationship with Europe
and its institutions," Bakoyannis noted.

"Let me start with the OSCE. As you probably know, last weekend,
Greece hosted the first-ever informal ministerial OSCE meeting that
launched the Corfu Process. I want to thank Minister Nalbandian for
his significant contribution. We count on Armenia’s continued support
as we embark on our open and frank dialogue on European security,
in view of the Athens December Ministerial Meeting," she added.

"Today we will inaugurate the OSCE’s new offices in Yerevan. It is very
important that the OSCE Office in Yerevan enjoys such a high level
of cooperation with Armenia. Its activities include mitigating the
impact of the financial crisis at a critical time, co-operation with
the police and supporting the office of the Human Rights Defender. I
am confident that we can deepen this cooperation. The Office is here
to serve the people of Armenia and to assist them as they build an
open, free and democratic society. As they lay the foundation for a
stronger civil society, respectful of its past and ready to take the
future into its own hands," Bakoyannis continued.

"For more than a year now, Armenia and Azerbaijan (which Bakoyannis
visited on Thursday) have participated constructively, at the
top level, in a new round of negotiations that have inspired
optimism. Talks are at a critical point. I am encouraged by the
political will expressed by both sides and the Minsk Group’s commitment
to bring about positive results," she said.

Bakoyannis further stressed that: "Armenia is an important country for
stability in the South Caucasus. While continuing political reforms
at home, it had begun a sensitive dialogue with Turkey. It has
demonstrated maturity and self-confidence that larger and stronger
countries often miss. I wish you well in your efforts and express
sincere hope they will be successful".

In closing, Bakoyannis noted that Greek-Armenian bilateral relations
"are excellent".

"Greece and Armenia are natural friends and partners. We consider
Armenia as part of Europe and we are ready to work with you in order
to bring your country closer to the European Union," she concluded.