VARDAN OSKANYAN PARTICIPATED IN CONFERENCE ON IRAQ
Support A1+!On invitation of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary General of the European Union Javier Solana Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan participated in an international conference on Iraq on June.
More than 80 foreign ministers attended the conference and discussed support for Iraq’s political transition process, encouraging its economic recovery and reconstruction, and helping establish the rule of law and public order in the country.
At the conference, Minister Oskanyan said, “We commend and appreciate the simple act of convening this conference. It was important for everyone. It was significant for those in Iraq who need to know that the world continues to remain engaged, and it is reinforcing for those involved in the effort to re-build Iraq.”
The Minister also noted the presence of Armenians in Iraq. “Iraq is blessed with natural resources. Those include not just those in the ground, but also the wealth that is derived from its ethnic diversity. A sizable and old Armenian community is part of that mix, and we know that together with the other citizens of Iraq they look forward to contributing to Iraq's prosperous, peaceful future.”
Minister Oskanyan concluded by saying, “Armenia, in turn, looks forward to developing and strengthening bilateral relations with a peaceful, unified and democratic Iraq. It is only 200 miles, as the crow flies, between our two capitals, and the ability to easily communicate and cooperate is an exciting one for all of us.”
