UKRAINE READY TO SUGGEST ITS TERRITORY FOR THE MEETING OF PRESIDENTS OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN
ArmRadio.am
19.06.2006 18:08
Ukraine suggests the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents to meet on
its territory to continue the talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
settlement, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk said after the
meeting with Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian. He also underscored that
the commodity turnover between Ukraine and Armenia on 2005 made $118
million, thus increasing 40% against the index of 2004. Our trade
relations are dynamically developing and we are expecting a growth
in the commodity turnover in 2006,” Tarasyuk said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA TO BE PRESENTED BY SEPARATE PAVILION AT “BOOK EXPO – 2006” INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF BOOK TO BE HELD IN WASHINGTON
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 19 2006
WASHINGTON, MAY 19, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The “BOOK EXPO –
2006” international exhibition of book will be held in the Washington
Exhibition Center on May 19-21. Armenia will be presented there by
a separate pavilion.
About 50 books and publications, including historiographic, fiction,
encyclopedian and children’s literature published in Armenia during
the recent years are presented by the National Publishing Association
and the “Edit Print” publishing house. As Noyan Tapan was informed
by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and Information Department,
publishers of 46 countries are represented at the “BOOK EXPO – 2006”
exhibition. Besides Russia, Armenia is the only CIS state which is
represented in the exhibition by a separate pavilion.

POVERTY REDUCTION POLICY FOR “KOZLEVIC”
Hakob Badalyan
Lragir.am
19 June 06
It appeared that the revaluation of the national money would arouse
pride among the Armenian society against such a supercurrency as
the dollar. The Central Bank of Armenia lays this idea at the basis
of contacts with the Armenian public. It is not a surprise that the
national liberation veil underlies the government propaganda. The
Central Bank would not be an exception and was not. However, let
the organization led by Tigran Sargsyan not disturb itself with the
thought, after all so far there has not been a government agency
in Armenia, which has managed to arouse pride among the citizens
of Armenia. It would be much more difficult to arouse pride for the
dram. How can a person be proud of something he does not have?
The majority of the citizens of Armenia get income in drams.
Therefore the citizen feels pity for the dram rather than pride
for the revaluation of the dram, because he is starting to get less
and less drams in exchange for his dollars. And this is already so
simple and easy that can be used in elementary school textbooks as
an example. Whereas the central Bank would not perceive it. Tigran
Sargsyan continues the “floating” of the exchange rate of the dollar
proudly and self-confidently. And he is tenaciously assisted by
the senior officials of international financial organizations. The
executive directors and other senior and junior officials of the
World Bank and the International Monetary Fund support Tigran Sargsyan.
No doubt, this assistance does not pursue interest, and fits into the
“fair governance” and anti-corruption logic that the leaders of the
same organizations are trying to promote in Armenia. However, if we
subtract interest from their words of support for Tigran Sargsyan and
the Armenian government, logic vanishes. Is it fair that due to the
policy of the Central Bank hundreds of thousands of citizens getting
income in dollars, suffer losses, and several importer oligarchs get
profits of millions of dollars. Hence, on the other hand, they invite
the government of Armenia to exercise fair governance, and on the
other hand, they encourage a monetary policy, which inflicts losses
on the majority of the population. Hence, either the international
financial organizations are not aware of the state of Armenia, or
they are aware but they do not care for it. If they are aware of the
state of Armenia, what are the World Bank and IMF representatives
busy with in Armenia then? If they do not care for Armenia, what do
they have to do in Armenia that they visit here very often and praise
the Armenian government.
It is also interesting that the statements of these officials in
Armenia and their countries are essentially different. Their speeches
in Armenia express satisfaction, whereas in their countries their
speeches are reproachful. If these officials care for the state of
Armenia and they are aware of this state, they must have heard the
Armenian proverb about the possibilities of a clever lamb. And maybe
they have heard this proverb and act according to it. For instance,
they in Washington they write letters that Bush, for instance, would
be satisfied to read, and in Yerevan they make announcements that
would please Robert Kocharyan.
It is almost impossible to find another logical explanation. Or by
saying fair governance the international organizations and their
resident representatives mean that besides the Armenian public
the Armenian government should also think about the international
organizations. It is possible that the government of Armenia might
be acting so, dividing the two-digit growth fairly: this is for us,
this is for Ostap Ibrahimovich. What about Kozlevic? For Kozlevic a
poverty reduction strategy. This perhaps explains the observations of
foreigners that the economic growth in Armenia is being distributed
better.

GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE MORE INVESTMENTS
Lragir.am
19 June 06
Armenia needs a smarter tax and budget policy and a higher level of
state revenues. Rodrigo de Rato, IMF Managing Director, announced this
June 18 in Yerevan, visiting Yerevan to participate in the meeting of
the Dutch group of countries of the IMF and the World Bank. De Rato
said the key issue discussed in the meetings with Robert Kocharyan
and Andranik Margaryan was sustainability of economic growth, as well
as enhancement of its role in poverty reduction. ARKA reports that
Rodrigo de Rato said the government must have a possibility to invest
more funds in education, health and infrastructures in rural areas.

ARMENIAN PLANE DID NOT CRASH IN THE AIR
Lragir.am
19 June 06
The Russian website Gazeta.ru published information with this title
on June 19. The article reports that the International Civil Aviation
Committee finished deciphering the parameters of the flight data
recorder of the Armenian plane, which had plunged into the Black Sea
near Sochi. The parameters of the FDR were deciphered and compared
with the data of the ground services, reported the ICAO press service,
referring to the head of the task force, investigating the causes
of the crash of the Armenian plane. The FDR contained parameters on
eight flights of the plane from April 30 till May 3, 2006, including an
emergency flight. The duration of the record was 26 hours 20 minutes,
including the last flight, lasting for 1 hour 26 minutes. The data
of the last flight show that the plane did not crash in the air,
the engines worked until the moment when the plane hit the water,
the fuel was sufficient, during the last minute of the flight the
autopilot was off. The committee has started the complex deciphering
of the records. Earlier the CVR data was deciphered.
During the complex deciphering the committee will work out the
simulation model of the flight, afterwards the conclusion on the
cause of the crash will be published.

“THERE ARE NO SUPPOSITIONS, THERE IS PROFESSIONAL WORK”
Aram Zakaryan
Lragir.am
19 June 06
Part of Armenians officials, which is closer to the whole, certainly
have not read the Bible. One of these officials is Armen Smbatyan,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Russia.
The crash of the Armenian A320 took the lives of 113 people and
aroused a lot of questions and suspicions, which are increasing
daily. Even now when the deciphering of the black boxes of the plane
is almost over. Officials, including Armen Smbatyan, kindle such
suspicions. In an interview with the Public Radio Armen Smbatyan said
“there are no suppositions, there is professional work” in answer
to the question “how is the deciphering going on, and what versions
are there?” Armen Smbatyan appears to have lost the ability to judge
logically due to hastiness. In their first year of studies students
of law are taught that investigation is for confirming one out of
many suppositions. Generally, every study is intended to find the
most reliable version. If there is professional work, there must
be suggestions, then the most probable one is chosen. They say a
diplomat’s tongue is for concealing his thoughts. Armen Smbatyan’s
tongue fails: either he is not a diplomat or he is fulfilling someone’s
instructions very badly.
If Ambassador Armen Smbatyan represents Armenia with similar
“professionalism” on different levels and spheres of relations with
Russia, it is painfully clear why, to put it mildly, they persecute
Armenians in Russia, and the relations with Armenia do not go
beyond those with a “fort.” But in that case it is not clear what
Armen Smbatyan is busy doing in Moscow with the title “Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.” In civilized countries, even in
those countries where constructive dissent is awarded, the career of
an ambassador, who damages his country’s reputation, is cut suddenly
and forever. In fact, Armenia is not a civilized country in this
respect either.

DIASPORA IS MY POLITICAL PARTY
Hakob Badalyan
Lragir.am
19 June 06
When the Armenian foreign minister announced in Stepanakert that Robert
Kocharyan’s Karabakhi origin allows him to represent Nagorno Karabakh
to the negotiations, many might have thought that Oskanyan curtseyed to
the first person of the Republic. However, very few people might have
thought that it was just another public appearance of the heir of the
president of Armenia. On June 17 the foreign minister announced in a
conference in Yerevan that the introduction of dual nationality in
Armenia would double the population of Armenia. “This opportunity
must be used,” said Vardan Oskanyan. He announced that Armenia
cannot frustrate the Diaspora and adopt the law on dual nationality
after withdrawing the provision from the constitution. Therefore
in Stepanakert Vardan Oskanyan put forward the thesis on Robert
Kocharyan’s Karabakhi origin as a right to powers in government.
We should not forget that the recognition of the Genocide is on the
agenda of the foreign policies of Armenia. And which president would
have more rights to present this problem to the world according to
Vardan Oskanyan’s thinking? Of course, a president who was born in
the Diaspora. And naturally Vardan Oskanyan urges not to frustrate
Diasporans. In fact, it is not clear yet whether a Diasporan, who
becomes a national of Armenia, is eligible. This is the next step,
however. The profession of a diplomat teaches a lot. Therefore Vardan
Oskanyan did not become one of the favorites of the president at
once. In answer to his being favorite the minister already does
not say “no”, although he has never said no. But he did not say
yes either. Perhaps it will happen immediately after settling the
questions with the Diaspora.
Vardan Oskanyan is the least discredited official of Armenia,
however, he also has a considerable share. People have not forgotten
the accident, when his son ran down a person, riding the car of
the ministry, but was not punished, in fact. And before people had
forgotten about it, another episode involving Vardan Oskanyan became
known. In one of the buildings of North Avenue the foreign minister
is going to have an entire floor accommodating some analytic center.
The minister neither refutes nor confirms this information. Therefore
the question must be asked where he will take the money to buy
space, which costs 1000 dollars per sq m. Maybe he gets support,
maybe also from the Diasporans, who might be enthusiastic about dual
nationality. Therefore the Diasporans standing in queue for dual
nationality must not be disappointed. Even if they are not eligible,
they can have a rather active influence in fulfillment of eligibility
of other voters. The least thing they can do is to analyze the chances
of Vardan Oskanyan among “single nationals.” Perhaps Vardan Oskanyan
needs help in this matter, because as a foreign minister he can deal
with the outside himself.
From: Baghdasarian

GUL: REFORM IS A NECESSITY, NOT A CHOICE
Turkish Press
June 19 2006
BAKU – Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul
has indicated, “we accept that reform is a necessity, not a choice
any longer. It is time to take actual steps to advance on reforms.”
Delivering a speech in the opening session of the 33rd meeting of
foreign ministers of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in
Baku, Gul said that the Middle East suffered from regional conflicts,
political problems and radical religious violence for years. “That’s
why countries should work jointly to assure peace and security.
Turkey strongly supports a secure, stable, democratic and nuclear-free
Middle East,” Gul underlined. Stating that Turkey was exerting utmost
efforts for current tension not to be turned into a regional and
global tension, Gul said, “we consider that the problem should be
resolved through diplomatic way.”
-IRAQ AND PALESTINE-
“We should exert efforts for Iraqi people to live in peace and
unity. New government (of Iraq) should work for approval of the
constitution. We believe that problems (in Iraq) can only be solved,
if Iraqi politicians give up ethnical and religious arguments,”
he stressed.
He underscored that Turkey was ready to cooperate with Iraq.
In regard to Palestine and Middle East peace process, Gul indicated,
“unity among Palestinian people is one of the important issues. The
other is that Islam world should find a way to assure this unity. And
the last one is that a solution should be found for the two states
(Palestine and Israel) to live together.”
-UPPER KARABAKH-
Gul said, “the ‘frozen’ problems in southern Caucasus have been
hampering efforts to settle stability and democracy in the region.
Today, we are still waiting for Armenia to withdraw from Upper
Karabakh. Armenian occupation forced nearly 1 million Azerbaijani
people to leave their homes. Other international organizations may
not see those people’s difficult situation. But the OIC should foresee
what will happen a decade after. We cannot ignore it.”
Stressing that Armenia should pursue constructive policies with
neighboring countries, Gul said that Turkey would continue fulfilling
its commitments to this end.
-TRNC-
Referring to the Cyprus issue, Gul said, “Turkey and the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have carried out a successful work
under the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s plan.
However, the Greek Cypriot administration rejected the plan. The
Greek Cypriot administration has still been trying to do everything
to hamper the United Nations’ parameters.”
“Turkish Cypriot people have still been imposed to isolation. They
have been continuing to live under embargoes in a period in which
everybody talks about globalization,” he said.
Recalling that Turkey prepared an Action Plan in January in an effort
to find a solution to the Cyprus issue, Gul said, “the international
community including member countries to the OIC supported our
initiative. We expect all OIC-member countries to support our plan.

SPEECH OF ALIYEV AT THE 33RD SESSION OF ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF MPS
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 19 2006
Dear Mr. Secretary General,
Dear ministers, heads of delegations,
Dear guests!
I cordially welcome all of you and say: “Welcome to Azerbaijan!”
We highly estimate carrying out in Azerbaijan of the 33rd Session of
Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. In Azerbaijan, it is for the
first time is being held such authoritative meeting. Certainly, we
very much would like, that discussions during the session, exchange
of views have even more improved our work, have strengthened our
contacts. I do not doubt that the would-be-made decisions, including
Baku Declaration will make huge contributions to out work.
The Organization of Islamic Conference strengthens its positions,
opportunities of influence of the organization on processes occurring
in the world extend, which, certainly, very much pleases us. Our
brotherly, friendly connections, solidarity gives us more forces. Our
contacts in political plane are at very high level. Alongside with
bilateral relations, we successfully take part in various international
actions, various projects of regional cooperation in a multilateral
format. Certainly, we very much would like for strengthening of
contacts among us in all areas. First of all, in the field of economy,
as today economic opportunities, economic potential, certainly, define
force of the country, its opportunity of influence. Our activity
should be directed on mutual support, strengthening of economy of
our countries. For this purpose, undoubtedly, it is necessary to
expand mutual trade contacts even more. I hope, that the today’s
meeting will give very important impulse to the work forthcoming in
this area, and cooperation between the OIC member states in all areas
will become closer.
Simultaneously, at present session questions disturbing us will be
discussed, it is necessary for us to state the position. In some cases,
the processes occurring in the world cause our concern. First of all,
attempts of mass media of some countries and the certain political
circles to associate the Islam with terrorism cause our extreme
concern and indignation. We, in any way, cannot presume it.
The Islam cannot be associated with terrorism. The Islam is a religion
of peace, good, and tolerance. Azerbaijan itself is a victim of
terror. The Armenian terrorist organizations have committed against
us over 30 acts of terrorism, as a result of which were killed 2
thousands of Azerbaijanis. Nevertheless, we do not connect these
terrorist organizations with this or that religion. It is wrongful. The
terrorism does not have either religion, or nationality. Therefore, it
is necessary for us to make more confidently the protest against it,
to state the position. Besides, we should, using all opportunities
of propagation, to express the attitude to this negative tendency
causing extreme concern, to prevent it by our activity.
Another question we are concerned is strengthening of the tendencies of
hatred for Islam. Now we speak much on dialogue among civilizations,
in fact, in life we see contrary. We see that in numerous countries
there occur cases of religious discrimination, the people of Islamic
faith are not duly regarded, but we cannot by any way admit this
religious discrimination. Now we speak of globalization, dialogue
between civilizations, and quickly attain democratic values. In this
case, we can on no ground reconcile with the existence of religious,
or national discrimination, or negatively regarding the believers of
any religion. I am convinced that as a result of common efforts of
countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference we shall state
our position. I hope our common activity will bring clarity to all
the questions wee are concerned and they will be prevented.
Today, we gave gathered in Azerbaijan. I have already noted that this
is a landmark event for us. It is for the first time such an event
is being held in Azerbaijan and I hope, you, at the same time, will
have chance to recognize with our country. Azerbaijan is an ancient
country, a historical land. As an independent state, it is young.
Only 15 years ago, Azerbaijan has restored its state independence and
up to day is strengthening its positions on international arena. Our
independent policy serves interests of the Azerbaijani people. We are
participants of numerous regional and international projects and their
initiators. There is established political stability in Azerbaijan,
civil solidarity. We very quickly strengthen our economic potential and
from the point of economic growth, Azerbaijan now is among the leading
states. Last year the GDP made up 26 percent. In five months of current
year, it made up 40 percent. Growth of industrial production is on high
level either. Many working places were open, and we courageously battle
poverty. In a word, Azerbaijan is a dynamically developing country and
of course, this opens new opportunities, new horizons. As a member of
world community, Azerbaijan stands on constructive position. At the
United Nations Organization, in other international organizations,
we always support the position of the OIC member states and this
policy will go on further.
At the same time, I would like to note that after gaining our state
independence up to date we have always received assistance form the
member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. We
appreciate the efforts of the OIC member states in support of
Azerbaijan’s position on international organizations and taking the
opportunity I would express my gratitude to all representatives.
Along with accomplishments, we, of course, have problems in
socio-economic field, and we solve them. But there are problems
hard to solve with only efforts. The heaviest and major of them is
settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. For
long years, as a result of Armenia’s aggression, 20 percent of our
lands were occupied. Due to policy of ethnic cleanse of Armenia,
over one million of Azerbaijanis were ousted form their homelands and
became refugees and IDPs. As a result of the Armenian aggression,
all buildings, all the infrastructures in the occupied territories
were completely destroyed. The Armenians ruined the graves of our
ancestors, the mosques, historical monuments, and all the houses.
This is an unprecedented vandalism. This problem Azerbaijan faces
lessens the cooperation tendencies in region. We try and hope
that we shall achieve settlement of this question peacefully,
by negotiations. We adhere peace talks. But we cannot reconcile
with the existent situation. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is
recognized by the entire world, except Armenia. The United Nations
Organization has adopted four Resolutions on this question. In these
resolutions, it is stated that the Armenian armed forces should
unconditionally leave the Azerbaijan lands. But those resolutions are
not implemented. Resolutions of other authoritative organizations have
demanded the same. Also the Organization of Islamic Conference, the
Council of Europe, GUAM and others have stated their open and principle
position in this question. Unfortunately, those resolutions have no
implementation mechanism. What is the most anxious is that the most
influential world organization – the United Nations Organization has
no mechanism connected to effective implementation of resolutions. Now,
there are discussions on reforms in the United Nations Organization. I
consider, that the first reform should define implementation mechanisms
for all the resolutions. If the resolution has been adopted, it should
be implemented. If the country does not implement the resolution,
it must undergo relevant measures. This will improve much more the
work of the United Nations Organization.
Azerbaijan will never reconcile with the violence of its territorial
integrity. The ongoing negotiations will lead to peace agreement in
that case if territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is restored. I am
convinced, that we shall achieve this.
>From the historical point of view, Nagorno Karabakh is Azerbaijani
land, and the Armenians have come there in early 19th century. From the
legal point of view, Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is recognized,
and Nagorno Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan.
>From the political point of view, Azerbaijan’s positions strengthen,
and support of the international organizations is very important for
us. Also position of the Organization of Islamic Conference and its
rising reputation gives impulse to our policy. From the economic point
of view, Azerbaijan develops quickly. We are just in the beginning,
and the future will be very successful. According to estimations, rapid
economic development of Azerbaijan will make it a rich country. All
these factors gives reason to tell that we shall achieve resolution
of the questions, and I want to do it peacefully.
And at the same time, all other variants should be on the agenda.
Taking the opportunity, I once again express deep gratitude to the
Organization of Islamic Conference for support of our fair cause.
Of course, we must regard the processes ongoing in region. Progress
is possible only in existence of peace, stability and security. It to
take positive samples, where it is ensured, there is development. We
live in this region. Therefore, the processes in region, undoubtedly,
in certain measure, define our policy. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s
policy has certain impact on regional processes. In that case,
we all should try that peace, safety be established in region, the
possible risks reduced. We should not admit new risks and solve all
the questions by negotiations. We adhere this and in this case, the
risks will reduce in region. We want this. We want that our countries
developed, our peoples lived better, were more educated. One of our
problems is connected with education. Education of our people, getting
high knowledge is an important question and it defines the world’s
future. Knowledge, literacy, and application of new technologies –
all these are important for us. Our solidarity, mutual support,
perhaps, will ease our work.
Dear guests, I once again would like to tell that I am very pleased
that you are in Azerbaijan. For some of you it is the first trip
to Azerbaijan, and nice opportunity to recognize Azerbaijan. I am
convinced that our contacts with the member states of the Organization
of the Islamic Conference will further strengthen. I reiterate, that
Azerbaijan is the member of the world community for only 15 years. We
must be known, present us, and offer our opportunities to speed up
our cooperation. Azerbaijan intends to strengthen its activity in the
Organization of Islamic Conference. We consider that the Organization
has a leading role and we hope this role will rise. Our positions
will be as strong as strong is the Organization.
I once again cordially welcome you in Azerbaijan, and wish success
to the session. Thank you.
Abu Baker al-Qirbi, Foreign Minister of Yemen, Syed Hamid Albar,
Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary
General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference delivered their
reports. They thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his
interesting address, excellent organization of the event and good
conditions created for the guests and recalled with great pleasure
Azerbaijani Leader’s visiting the OIC headquarters in Jeddah.
Speakers highlighted national leader’s historical services and
said that famous political figure Heydar Aliyev highly assessed OIC
activities. “Heydar Aliyev’s interesting address at the OIC session
in 1998 is an example for us,” said the speakers. According to them,
he initiated some important events for the solidarity of the Moslem
world and his efforts towards preserving Islamic values, maintaining
stability in the Caucasus will never be forgotten.
Reporters told of the work done last year and found a need for
implementing reforms in this international organization and further
enhancing economic, political, scientific, cultural, technological
cooperation among member countries. They touched upon Palestine,
Iraq, Kashmir, Cyprus problems, Nagorno-Karabkh conflict as well as
ongoing developments in Somalia and Sudan. They stressed that these
conflicts and problems should be resolved in line with international
legal standards. Aggressive Armenia occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani
territories, pursued the policy of ethnic cleansing and destroyed
cultural monuments. OIC wants peace and stability be restored all
over the world and is going to open its office in Iraq to the effect.
In their reports, speakers strongly criticized publication of the
cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in the western press. Respecting all
religions OIC will continue its activities towards promotion of
dialogue among civilizations. Speakers highlighted the need to develop
economic cooperation among OIC member countries, in particular, OIC-
initiated projects covering a variety of fields.
OIC Secretary General I. Ihsanoglu reported that a special
ten-year plan of actions was approved at the OIC meeting held last
year in Mecca. The plan envisaged the ways of settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and other problems as well as issues
concerning economic, trade relations.
OIC Secretary General presented this plan to President of Azerbiajan
Ilham Aliyev. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of Asian, African and
Arab states, Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Guinea, Sudan, thanked
Azerbaijani leader and Government of Azerbaijan for the hospitality
and excellent organization of the event.
Then, Azerbaijan took over the presidency of 33-rd Session of OIC
Foreign Ministers
Then, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan thanked President Ilham Aliyev
for the chance to participate in the session and considered the
presidency of Azerbaijan as the great responsibility.
X X X
After the break, the session continued its work behind the closed
doors. In the evening, President of Azerbaijan hosted at the Baku
Entertainment Center the dinner in honor of the Foreign Ministers/
Heads of Delegation.
The session will continue its work June 20.

UKRAINE INTERESTED IN BOOSTING MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA, SAYS UKRAINIAN PM
Interfax, Russia
June 19 2006
Kyiv, June 19 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukraine is interested in boosting
mutually beneficial relations with Armenia by means of stepping up
the two countries’ political dialog, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuriy
Yekhanurov has said.
At his meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian held
in Kyiv on Monday the premier noted that the two countries posses a
significant potential of development of bilateral trade and economic
cooperation, the government’s press service reported.
“Retaining positive tendencies of commodities turnover growth and
realization of economic projects complies with the national interests
of the two countries,” Yekhanurov said.