Armenian minister predicts intense diplomatic activity in 2005

Arminfo
12 Jan 05

YEREVAN

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan predicts intense diplomatic
activity in the country in 2005, he told a news conference today.

He said that in 2005 traditional bilateral relations would be
continued and, moreover, the list of friendly countries would be
extended. Visits to new countries have been planned. Armenia intends
to take part in global issues, in the struggle against terrorism, and
in the reforms of the UN and OSCE.

The year 2005 will be marked by the launch of an individual programme
of cooperation with the EU within the framework of the New Neighbours
policy.

A corresponding EU report on Armenia is expected to be ready by
March. A programme of individual cooperation with NATO is being
drafted. It is expected to be ready by April-May.

At the forthcoming summit of the Council of Europe Armenia will be
presented as a country which has implemented its commitments and it
will at the same time assume new commitments, the minister noted.

“I think that this summit can become a turning point for us, in this
sense, we have completed the first and are entering into the second
stage of democratic processes,” the minister noted, adding that a UN
summit will also be held in autumn.

The year 2005 will see changes in the Karabakh issue as well. “We are
entering into the second Prague stage, which will differ qualitatively
from the previous one,” the minister noted.

He also spoke about Turkey’s integration into Europe and noted the
need for efforts to open the Armenian-Turkish border and recognize the
Armenian genocide.