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09/07/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Poland, Armenia Strengthen Ties 2) Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Commend Karabagh on 13th Anniversary of Independence 3) Khatami, Iranian Delegation to Arrive in Armenia 1) Poland, Armenia Strengthen Ties WARSAW (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)--The presidents of Poland and Armenia vowed Monday to continue bilateral cooperation aimed at fostering western-oriented economic and political development in the former Soviet Caucusus republic. Following talks with President Robert Kocharian, Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski termed bilateral political relations with Armenia "excellent." Asked whether Armenia's membership of the European Union could one day become a reality, Kwasniewski said though he is unable to "prophesize" about the prospect, he offered that EU member Poland share with Armenia its almost 15 years experience in transitioning from communism to a market economy, and dictatorship to democracy. Kocharian noted that the most important task the South Caucasus faces is achieving "predictable progress" to carry out political and economic reforms necessary to attract business and investment from EU countries. Both leaders also expressed hope that a solution would be found to the long-standing dispute between Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan over the territory of Mountainous Karabagh Republic. The Armenian leader vowed to send 50 soldiers including medical personnel to join the Polish-led multi-national contingent stationed in south-central Iraq. The contingent is unlikely to be deployed before the end of this year. Kwasniewski confirmed that bilateral Polish-Armenian agreements on fighting international organized crime, as well as military, economic, and industrial cooperation were finalized Monday in Warsaw. The Armenian president met with Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka and the leaders of the upper and lower houses of the Polish Parliament later on Monday. 2) Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Commend Karabagh on 13th Anniversary of Independence WASHINGTON, DC--On the occasion of the 13th anniversary of Mountainous Karabagh Republic's independence, US Reps. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, commended the people of Karabagh. In a letter to President Arkady Ghoukasian, Knollenberg and Pallone wrote, "Despite all the difficulties, today Nagorno Karabagh is a proud state committed to the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and an open civil society." "Today, as we extend our congratulations to the people and the authorities of Nagorno Karabagh on the 13th anniversary of the Proclamation of the NKR, we welcome your determination and efforts in strengthening Karabagh's democratic institutions and market economy. "Karabagh has proven to be a capable, reliable, and serious partner of the international community," the lawmakers continued. "Peace and stability in the South Caucasus are not possible without a contribution from Nagorno Karabagh. We assure you of our strong commitment to Karabagh's security and development," the letter concluded. 3) Khatami, Iranian Delegation to Arrive in Armenia YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Iran's president Mohammad Khatami is due to arrive in Armenia on September 8 for a two-day official visit, at the invitation of his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian. His delegation will include Iran's foreign minister, Economic Affairs and Finance, as well as Commerce ministers, government officials, and journalists. Kocharian and Khatami will first meet face-to-face, then hold expanded talks with other officials. The meetings are expected to produce bilateral agreeemnts. Khatami will address members of the Armenia's National Assembly and will meet with the prime minister of Armenia, and Catholicos Karekin II. Students and professors of Yerevan State University will also host Khatami. The Iranian delegation will visit the Armenian Genocide Monument and Yerevan's Blue Mosque. Before departing for Iran, Khatami will also meet with Iranian citizens working in Armenia. Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, the fifth president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was elected to office in May 1977. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.