STATEMENTS OF FM MS. BAKOYANNIS FOLLOWING HER MEETING WITH HER ARMENIAN COUNTERPART, MR. NALBANDIAN

States News Service
July 3, 2009 Friday
ATHENS, Greece

The following information was released by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Greece:

Thank you Minister,

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.

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.

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.

For more than a year now, Armenia and Azerbaijan 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.

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 I just want to note that 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.

Edward I want to thank you again for your hospitality and wish you
every success in your important mission.