PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
December 16, 2004
His Holiness Karekin II Receives President of Russian Parliament
On December 15, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians received Mr. Boris Grislov, President of the State Duma
(Parliament) of the Russian Federation.
His Holiness welcomed the honored guest to the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and reflected on the increasing cooperation between Armenia and
Russia in economic and cultural spheres. Thanking His Holiness for the
audience, Mr. Grislov informed the Catholicos of the details of his recent
visit to Armenia and the agreements which were made between the two
governments.
His Holiness and Mr. Grislov also spoke of the close ties that exist between
the Armenian Apostolic and Russian Orthodox Churches. Offering his best
wishes to the President of the Duma, the Catholicos of All Armenians
extended his appreciation to the Russian authorities for their care and
attention to the Armenian community in Russia.
Present for the meeting were His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrossian, Director of
Inter-Church Relations for the Mother See; Mher Shahnazarian, president of
the standing committee for defense, national security and internal affairs
for the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia; and Anatoly Dryukov,
Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Armenia.
##

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
THE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC NEAR EAST WELFARE ASSOCIATION IN ANTELIAS
Antelias, Lebanon – His Grace Robert Stern, the director of the Catholic
Near East Welfare Association, visited His Holiness Aram I. He was
accompanied by the Middle Eastern director of the same organization and his
assistant. Located in New York, the Association serves the humanitarian
needs of Christian communities the countries of the Near East.
The meeting with His Holiness was an opportunity to have a general
discussion on the ongoing activities of the Association.
His Holiness Aram I appreciated the work of the Association particularly
emphasizing the going collaboration with the churches. His Holiness
considered helping the Christian communities of the Middle East of crucial
importance to strengthen the Christian presence and witness in the region.
##
View picture here:
*******
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA
122 C Street, NW, Suite 360, Washington, DC 20001
Tel: (202) 347-5166
Fax: (202) 347-5168
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site:
PRESS RELEASE
December 16, 2004
MASSACHUSSETTS STATE ASSEMBLY WELCOMES PRESIDENT GHOUKASIAN
Reps. Koutoujian and Kaprielian initiate a pioneer resolution in
recognition of Artsakh’s achievements
WASHINGTON, DC – On the first day of President Arkady Ghoukasian’s visit
to the United States last month, the Massachusetts State Assembly
adopted a resolution in support of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
(Artsakh), honoring the NKR President.
The resolution was presented to President Ghoukasian on November 13,
2004 by State House members Peter Koutoujian and Rachel Kaprielian
during a public event at the Armenian Library and Museum in Watertown,
Massachusetts, organized by the Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
“We feel strongly about supporting Artsakh and recognizing its
achievements in democracy building and economic development. It goes
without saying that the freedom-loving people of Artsakh deserve a
continued and stronger American support,” said Koutoujian and
Kaprielian.
Proposed by Representatives Peter Koutoujian and Rachel Kaprielian and
signed by Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, the resolution is a first-ever
legislation passed by any U.S. state in recognition of Nagorno Karabakh
Republic’s achievements in democracy building, economic development and
contribution to regional stability.
“I thank Speaker DiMasi and State Representatives Koutoujian and
Kaprielian for their support. This resolution is a very important
statement of recognition for Artsakh. We deeply appreciate Koutoujian’s
and Kaprielian’s leadership in spearheading this effort to raise greater
awareness of Artsakh in the State of Massachusetts and the United States
in general,” said Vardan Barseghian, Nagorno Karabakh’s Representative
in the United States.
The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is
based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia and
the public representing the official policies and interests of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic.
* * *
The full text of the resolution appears below.
HONORING THE PRESIDENT OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC (ARTSAKH) H.E.
ARKADY GHOUKASIAN.
WHEREAS, We welcome the President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
(Artsakh) H.E. Arkady Ghoukasian’s visit to the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, For over 16 years the brave people of Karabakh have been
successful in defending their land and their freedom and now they are
building a democratic state; and
WHEREAS, Since the cease-fire agreement (May of 1994) among Azerbaijan,
Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia, Karabakh has made a serious progress in
recovering from devastating consequences of Azerbaijani military
aggression; and
WHEREAS, We support the position of the Nagorno Karabakh people and
government to reach a comprehensive and long lasting resolution of the
conflict with Azerbaijan through peaceful negotiations, reflecting the
will of the people of Karabakh to live in freedom; and
WHEREAS, We support initiatives aimed at building trust among the
parties to the conflict, especially between Azerbaijan and Nagorno
Karabakh; and
WHEREAS, Democratic and economic reforms undertaken in Karabakh have
built a foundation for strengthening democratic institutions and a
continued economic development; Karabakh was able to create favorable
conditions for direct foreign investments; and
WHEREAS, Understanding the importance of modern road infrastructure for
further economic development of Karabakh, the State House encourages
active participation of Armenian-Americans in the upcoming Armenia Fund
Telethon for the completion of the North-South Highway in Karabakh;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts house of representatives JOINS IN
WELCOMING THE PRESIDENT OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC (ARTSAKH) H.E.
ARKADY GHOUKASIAN with which We share the universal values of freedom,
democracy and justice WHICH create a strong foundation for continued and
expanded friendship between the peoples of the United States and
Artsakh; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of these resolutions be forwarded by the Clerk of
the House of Representatives to the President of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic (Artsakh) H.E. Arkady Ghoukasian.
Signed by Speaker Salvatore DiMasi
November 12, 2004
* * *
This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S. Government under
the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional information is available
at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
 
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
ASSEMBLY CELEBRATES HOLIDAY SEASON WITH MEMBERS, ACTIVISTS
Year-End Parties Held Across the U.S.
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America held a series
of holiday events across the U.S. this month, thanking friends and
members for their support throughout the year and encouraging their
continued activism in strengthening the U.S.-Armenia and U.S.-Karabakh
relationships in the year ahead.
On December 12, supporters in the nation’s capital were briefed by
Armenian Caucus Member Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Jr. (D-MD), who spoke
about the importance of grassroots activism and reaffirmation of the
Armenian Genocide.
“We have an obligation not to give up,” Van Hollen told supporters
at the Armenian Embassy. “We must make sure that the world never
forgets.”
The afternoon program, which was led by Board of Directors Vice
Chair Annie Totah and Capital Region Host Committee Members Clara
Andonian and Doris George, included remarks by Armenia’s Ambassador
to the U.S. Dr. Arman Kirakossian and Assembly Executive Director
Ross Vartian. The event, which was organized by members of the
Assembly’s Capital Region Host Committee, also included a slide
presentation of presidential photos by White House photographer Joyce
Naltchayan Boghosian.
>>From his home base in Massachusetts, Board of Directors Chairman
Anthony Barsamian participated in events in Arlington and Charlestown,
as well as an event in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Starting in Rhode
Island on December 7, Barsamian joined Board of Directors Member
Corinne Heditsian and RI District Chair Nathalie Yaghoobian in honoring
outgoing District Chair Jake Harpootian. A Fellow Trustee since 1991,
Harpootian was credited with rallying local activists and advocating
for congressional support of Armenian-American issues. That event
was organized and led by Development Co-Chair Lu Ann Ohanian and the
New England Regional Council.
The Council’s two other events were held at the Armenian Cultural
Center in Arlington and at the Meze Restaurant in Charlestown.
The first event held on December 8, welcomed Board of Trustees
President Carolyn Mugar and local officials including State
Representative Rachel Kaprielian (D-Watertown.) The second event,
dubbed the “The Next Leadership Group Party,” was a holiday mixer
for young professionals. Held on December 9, the event was organized
by Assembly supporter Joanne Tashjian and her children, Christopher,
Joy and Noelle. The events in New England also included a year-end
update from Executive Director Vartian.
The Assembly’s Great Lakes Regional Council hosted its annual holiday
event at Council Chairman Edgar Hagopian’s Roche Bobois store in
Novi, Michigan on December 5. More than 80 people turned out for the
event which included legislative briefings by Congressional Caucus
on Armenian Issues Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) and Board Chairman
Barsamian. Guests also included State Representative Shelly Taub
(R-Bloomfield Hills) and several other community leaders. The Great
Lakes Regional Council assisted in planning the evening.
On the West Coast, Los Angeles-area supporters kicked-off the
season with a reception at the Four Season’s Hotel on December 3.
Assembly Western Office Chairman Richard Mushegain and Board Member
Lisa Kalustian welcomed 60 area supporters to the event, which included
a briefing by Mushegain on the Assembly’s legislative achievements
in 2004.
Also in California, Assembly Life Trustees Roger Strauch and Dr. Julie
Kulhanjian Strauch opened their suburban Piedmont home on December 5,
helping the Assembly and its members celebrate another successful year.
Among the highlights of the evening was a presentation by Roger Strauch
on the organization’s achievements in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Deputy Executive Director Peter Abajian was also on hand to provide
a report on the Assembly’s national activities.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
###
NR#2004-107
Photographs are available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following
links:
ss/2004-107/2004-107-1.JPG
CAPTION: Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Jr. (D-MD) accepts a book
on Armenia from Capital Region Host Committee Members L to R: Clara
Andonian, Annie Totah and Doris George at the Armenian Embassy on
December 12.
CAPTION: L to R: Board of Directors Chairman Anthony Barsamian,
Assembly Fellow Trustee Jake Harpootian, Development Co-Chair Lu Ann
Ohanian, Rhode Island District Chair Nathalie Yaghoobian and Executive
Director Ross Vartian during a holiday celebration in Pawtucket,
RI on December 7.
CAPTION: Assembly Endowment Fund Contributors Armen and Aida
Norhadian, far left and second from right, along with L to R: Fellow
Trustee Raffi Krikorian, Affiliate Member Hovann Simonian, supporters
Ani Krikorian and Fellow Trustee Gagik Galstian at the Four Season’s
Hotel in Los Angeles on December 3.
–Boundary_(ID_F8xsUkDbmUSlgG463FfBxQ)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
December 16, 2004
American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576
Contact: Gohar Momjian
E-mail: [email protected]
AUA Promotes Anti-Smoking Movement
Yerevan – On Friday, December 10, 2004, the Association of Caricaturists,
the Armenian Public Health Alliance, the Coalition for Tobacco Free Armenia
and the American University of Armenia hosted a public exhibition “Artists
Against Smoking,” as part of its approach to combat smoking in Armenia.
The exhibition took place in the newly opened AUA Center Restaurant, which
has a healthy working, non-smoking environment policy.
With support from the Open Society institute, the Armenian Public Health
Alliance, formed by the Armenian Public Health Association, the Armenian
Public Health Union and the American University of Armenia, started an
ambitious multi-pronged project to combat smoking in Armenia, including
establishing the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Armenia (CTFA), which now
includes 18 NGOs representing over eight hundred people committed to
preventing the health consequences of tobacco smoke.
Earlier in the year, on October 12, the American University of Armenia (AUA)
hosted the first ever-national meeting of non-governmental organizations
involved in fighting smoking in Armenia. At the conference, AUA President
Haroutune Armenian emphasized that the Coalition for Tobacco Free Armenia
(CTFA) demonstrates that Armenians can and will unite to protect the public’
s health.
According to global tobacco expert, Dr. Richard Peto, the average Armenian
male smoker loses 17 years of productive life due to smoking. Despite this
shocking finding, smoking is not perceived as a problem by Armenian society,
where 67% of adult males are estimated to smoke and 3% of females.
Moreover, many wrongly believe that cigarette manufacturing is a benefit to
the country’s economy, looking only at the jobs and tax revenue created by
the industry, without accounting for health and other costs paid by the
government and by society at large. This false image of tobacco industry is
maintained by sophisticated advertisements and other misleading practices
seen throughout the world.
Empowering people and building public support for tough tobacco control
policy measures was and remains the focus of the initiative. Established in
June 2004, the Coalition for Tobacco Free Armenia became a member of the
international Framework Convention Alliance, which unites about 200
organizations around the world in support of the WHO Framework Convention on
Tobacco Control. In June, CTFA Coordinator Narine Movsisyan, MD, MPH
participated as an invited observer at the open-ended intergovernmental
meeting on tobacco control in Geneva. In her words, it was “a great
experience to learn from international tobacco control activists. Lobbying
was a bad word in the soviet times. I would never have imagined that
lobbying could be pro-human, pro-health. Like the smokers we are trying to
educate, we have to open our minds and re-think many concepts.”
In a country in transition like Armenia, economic arguments can be very
powerful. Thus, demonstrating the long-term effects of tobacco control as
opposed to short-term economic benefits of tobacco growing and manufacturing
is of critical importance. Armenian Public Health Alliance experts developed
a comprehensive informational package for Armenian policy and decision
makers. The infopack called “Contemporary Issues on Tobacco Control in
Armenia” examined health, social and economic aspects of the situation in
Armenia and suggested appropriate solutions in light of international
experience. The Armenian Public Health Alliance’s infopack was a critical
reference at the November 17 Parliamentary hearings on tobacco control.
The CTFA successfully lobbied Parliament to adopt the Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control and is now lobbying for similarly strict supporting
legislation, in coordination with the Ministry of Health National Tobacco
Control Program led by Dr. Alexander Bazarchyan and Chair of Parliamentary
Committee on Science, Education, Culture, and Youth, Mrs. Hranush Hakobyan.
As Armenian Public Health Alliance member Hovhannes Margaryants, President
of the Armenian Public Health Union, noted, “We intend to stimulate a
dialogue within our society and build a new non-smoking culture. We are
looking for allies and partners among journalists, medical, cultural,
business and political elite as well as parents and other “ordinary”
citizens. Everyone concerned with building a healthier and safer homeland
for all Armenians is welcomed.”
The “Artists Against Smoking” exhibition was organized within the framework
of the tobacco control project with support from the Open Society Institute
Assistance Foundation. The Association of Caricaturists presented
approximately 40 antismoking drawings. AUA members along with guests and
representatives from Ministry of Culture, Youth Affaires and Sport, Academy
of Art, international organizations and local agencies expressed their
appreciation and noted that both the exhibition and non-smoking Restaurant
are a novelty for Armenia.
CTFA Coordinator Narine Movsisyan stated, “It’s a challenge to change people
‘s unhealthy behavior. Today’s exhibition is an attempt to talk to people on
a language of humor and satire. We believe that laugh can be curative.” The
opening was followed by light reception and broad local media coverage. The
Exhibition will be open for public at large through December 17th in the AUA
Club Restaurant.
—————————————-
The American University of Armenia is registered as a non-profit educational
organization in both Armenia and the United States and is affiliated with
the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support from
the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the Masters Degree in eight
graduate programs. For more information about AUA, visit
Photos: Works displayed from the Artists Against Smoking exhibition in the
AUA Center Club Restaurant, hosted by the Association of Caricaturists, the
Armenian Public Health Alliance, the Coalition for Tobacco Free Armenia

PRESS RELEASE
Shahumyan-Getashen Patriotic Benevelont Association
Address: Yerevan, Armenia, Koriun Street 19/a
Contact: Eduard Balayan
Tel: (374-1) 560154
E-mail: [email protected]
16 December, 2004
Shahumyan-Getashen refugees apply to European court of Human Rights
Four families who were forcibly removed from the Shahumian and Getashen
regions have formally appealed to the European Court of Human Rights.
Assisted by the Shahumyan-Getashen Benevolent Union, the Armenian
residents of Shahumian and Getashen have raised before the court
the following issues: the violation of the property rights of the
forcibly displaced families, as well as the violation of their right
that their accommodations be respected.
The Shahumyan-Getashen Patriotic Union reaffirms its readiness to
defend, in appropriate international organizations, the rights of
thousands of Armenian families who are suffering as a result of
Azerbaijan’s military offensive launched in the early 1990s.

EP Adopted Turkey Report, Turned Down Motion for Special Partnership
Journal of Turkish Weekly
Dec 16 2004
The European Parliament adopted thee report about Turkey which calls
on beginning membership negotiations without delay. The report of
Camiel Eurlings was adopted by 451 votes in favor. 227 votes were
against.
The motions about calling on to empower EP to reject Turkey’s
membership and offering special partnership to Turkey, were rejected
in a secret vote. EP also rejected the motion about imposing a
condition to Turkey to recognize the Armenian genocide claims, to
launch accession talks.
Even though EP decisions are not binding, they will beee referred to
in the EU summit’s final declaration.
Source: Hurriyet, Turkish daily

‘Brave Support’ from French President Chirac to Turkey
The Journal of Turkish Weekly
Dec 16 2004
French President Jacques Chirac in an interview to TF1 TV has said
that Turkey could join the European Union – if it complies in full
with entry requirements, and partial membership was not an option.
Chrirac said membership negotiations can be started in 2005.
President Chirac spoke after the European Parliament (EP) voted to
approve the start of accession talks. In their non-binding vote,
passed by 407 votes to 262, MEPs called on EU leaders to open entry
talks with Turkey “without undue delay”.
This week the EU leaders will meet with Turkish counterparts in
Brussels, and they will decide on Friday whether negotiations with
Turkey will start or not.
Mr Chirac stressed that the EU would benefit from having Turkey aboard.
“Does Europe, and particularly France, have an interest in Turkey
joining it?” he asked in a live interview on French TV.
“My answer is… ‘Yes, if Turkey totally meets the conditions we
impose on any candidate for our union’.”
Chirac: “Partial Membership is not an Option”
Mr Chirac suggested that partial membership for Turkey, as suggested
by some of his own supporters in France, was not an option.
“To ask a country like Turkey, a great country with a rich and long
history, to make a considerable effort to reach a risky or partial
result is not reasonable,” he said.
If Ankara met all its accession obligations, he continued, it should
not be turned away at the last moment.
“We will take a very heavy responsibility for history if, faced with a
people who tell us ‘We have adopted all your values, all your rules,
all your objectives’ ,we tell them, ‘Eh, no thanks’,” the French
leader said.
President Chirac’s clear support for Turkey is found brave by the
EU experts: “There is a strong opposition and manipulation against
Turkey in France. Extreme nationalists and religionists with extreme
Armenian and Greek lobbies do anything possible in order to block
Turkey’s membership. Under these curcumstances Chirac gave a vivid
support for Turkey’s EU bid. And this should be appreciated. Simply
a brave decision” said Dr. Selin Akyuz from the ISRO.
‘Meaningful’
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the vote as
“very meaningful” but warned that his country would walk away if
confronted by any “unacceptable conditions”.
‘Red Lines’
Earlier on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul set out
four “red lines” his country would not cross:
– Negotiations must have Turkey’s complete membership as the final aim
– Turkey must not be forced to extend diplomatic recognition to the
Republic of Cyprus
– The decision to start talks must not be conditional on subsequent
decisions by EU leaders
– There should be no special conditions imposed permanently on Turkey.
–Boundary_(ID_sd2/1rhZJeMLmFp7jx5nZw)–

PRESS RELEASE
FEDERATION OF ARMENIAN ORGANISATIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS (FAON)
24 April Committee
Weesperstraat 91
NL – 2574 VS The Hague
Contact: M. Hakhverdian
Tel. 070 4490209
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Armenian Genocide prominently present at EU Summit
Minister Bot: Turkey not in EU without recognition of Armenian Genocide
The Hague, 15 December 2004 – Dutch Foreign Minister Bot speaking about
Armenian Genocide, has declared today, that accession of Turkey to the
EU is out of the question without Turkey recognising her own past. This
issue has the full attention, according to Mr. Bot. Minister reacted
today to the questions of the spokesmen of nearly all fractions of
Dutch Parliament during the “Europe” debate.
Also the European Parliament voted today the report on Turkey¹s
accession, established by Mr. Eurlings, the Dutch CDA Member of
European Parliament, wherein at the last moment the recommendation
to Turkey was added to recognise the Armenian Genocide. As usual
the EU Summit will start coming Friday with a conversation with the
President of the European Parliament. The EP recognised the Armenian
Genocide in 1987.
The question of the Armenian Genocide will be strongly present during
the EU Summit, because of the notice of France last Monday, stating
that during EU Summit the question of the Genocide, which is denied
until now by Turkey, will be put on the agenda.
The Armenians of Europe will underline this attention by holding a
large demonstration coming Friday in Brussels in front of the building,
where EU Summit will decide on Turkey¹s accession matter.
The Federation of Armenian Organisations in the Netherlands has up
to present day insisted that the Dutch Prime Minister, Dutch Foreign
Minister and the political parties at the Dutch Parliament consider the
Armenian question seriously. The Armenians are worried about the fact
that, as signs of reforms are being shown by Turkey, absolutely no step
has been put forward on the Armenian genocide and for normalisation
of the relation with Armenia as a neighbouring country. It does
not appear that Turkey shows readiness to carry out reforms in
this respect. Only pressure from outside can bring a change in this
matter. For this reason the Armenian Federation has urged the Dutch
presidency of EU to make every effort to put down in the conclusions
of 17 December on Turkey, that it is expected from that country to
improve the relations with Armenia. This means recognition of the
past including the Armenian Genocide, lifting the border blockade
of Armenia and starting diplomatic relations with Armenia. Then it
would be possible to monitor the progress in this area, in the same
way as with respect to human rights and freedom of expression.
One and half million Armenians and large numbers of other Christians
lost their lives during the Genocide of 1915. Turkey denies this
genocide up to present. Other candidate Member States such as Romania
and Croatia have recently distanced themselves from the black pages
of their history. It is not realistic to think that Turkey will be
an exception.
The Armenian Federation believes that Europe is obliged to follow
consistently her principles. And if Turkey wants to belong to Europe
these principles apply also to Turkey.
–Boundary_(ID_40lWwynRsrIK2SoLBEdhUA)–

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Dec 16 2004
UKRAINE, AZERBAIJAN: RELATIONS EXPANDING
[December 16, 2004, 12:26:15]
On December 15, Chairman of Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic
Murtuz Alaskarov has received the ambassador of Ukraine in the
country Anatoly Yurchenko.
Murtuz Alaskarov has told: “Due to efforts of heads of our states,
relations existing between our countries have reached the level of
strategic partnership. Mutual visits of heads of the states, in
particular, the contracts signed during visit of the President of
Azerbaijan of Ilham Aliyev to Ukraine, have opened a new stage in
development of our connections. Our inter-parliamentary relations
also develop on ascending, and our deputies successfully cooperate in
the international organizations.
Then, Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament has in detail informed on the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, has thanked the state
and people of Ukraine for support of the fair position of Azerbaijan
in settlement of the problem.
Having expressed gratitude for warm reception, ambassador Anatoly
Yurchenko has told: “I am, as a diplomat, satisfied with the level of
development of relations between our countries. We should work at the
further expansion and strengthening of our contacts. The ambassador
has said that during his diplomatic activity in Azerbaijan would
aspire to this.
The ambassador has in detail informed Chairman of Milli Majlis on
present situation in Ukraine, has noted re-establishment of stability
in the country. Anatoly Yurchenko also has told: “Irrespective of who
will come to power in Ukraine, the relations between our countries
will stay constant”.
At the meeting also were exchanged views on other questions
representing mutual interest.
–Boundary_(ID_Bo4MNEcRjmUG5GbcQ/6ORw)–