JOHN EVANS LEAVES ARMENIA SATISFIED
Yerevan, September 1. ArmInfo. US-Armenian relations have been
developing, particularly, in defense and security, US investments
though slowly but have been growing, US Ambassador John Evans who is
completing his diplomatic mission in Armenia says in an interview to
Radio Liberty.
He says that Americans and Armenians have common basic values. Armenia
has all prerequisites for becoming the leader of democratic processes
in the region. However, there is no political culture in the country
yet and there is still psychological fear lest the ordinary voter
might be allowed to determine his fate on his own. Evans says that the
elections of 2007 and 2008 may become a significant step towards
deeper democracy in Armenia and the Armenian authorities are working
to this end. International organizations will certainly help Armenia
to ensure electoral transparency, however, the key subject during the
elections will be the Armenian people.
Evans points out progress in all spheres of bilateral cooperation. In
the last four years US investments have been slowing but steadily
growing. In order to attract big US investments Armenia should improve
its court and education systems, reform tax and customs services.
Evans says that the US may significantly help to overcome the
discrepancy between the development of Yerevan and the
regions. However, the most serious task is to form effective, stable
energy system.
Evans says that it was good that the OSCE MG co-chairs have
promulgated the Karabakh conflict settlement principles, particularly,
the ones stressing the inadmissibility of new war and the necessity of
negotiations.
Evans has not got any new appointment. He says that he is not
resigning against his will and that he has served his president well.
Evans does not retract his words that the actions organized by the
Young Turkish government against Armenians in 1915 were Genocide.
Evans says that he is very much satisfied with his work in Armenia.