Armenia to develop relations with democratic Iraq, minister says

Armenia to develop relations with democratic Iraq, minister says

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23 Jun 05

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan attended an international
conference in Brussels on 21-22 June dedicated to the restoration of
Iraq at the invitation of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

[Passage omitted: background details]

The Armenian foreign minister said addressing the conference that “it
is very important to inform the people living in Iraq of the
consistent participation of the international community in the
restoration of the country. Even small countries like Armenia, which
participates only formally, understand very well the importance of
moral assistance.”

Speaking about Armenia’s participation in Iraq’s restoration, the
minister pointed out that “this country has natural resources. I mean
not only the wealth which is under the ground but also the numerous
ethnic groups populating Iraq.”

“The Armenian community living in Iraq is part of this wealth and they
are expected to make a contribution to the prosperity and peaceful
future of their country. In turn, Armenia wishes to develop its
relations with peaceful, unified and democratic Iraq,” the minister
said.