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SERZH SARKISYAN: ACTIVE STAGE IN NKR CONFLICT BEGINS

Politics

I believe that we must realize the existence of the issue and move towards establishing normal relations with Turkey. Based on this judgment, as President of the Republic of Armenia, I made the first symbolic step by inviting Turkish President Abdullah Giul to Armenia. I am happy that the Turkish President accepted my invitation and we had the opportunity to start a process the result of which must be the installment of mutual confidence. Mutual confidence can only be created in the result of establishment of diplomatic relations without preconditions and the implementation of multilateral cooperation with that country,” declared Serzh Sarkisyan during his meeting with representatives of the Armenian Community of Belgium.

“As far as normal relations with our other neighbor Azerbaijan are concerned, we see the peaceful, compromised resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which must guarantee the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. We are ready to continue the talks and have the principles of Madrid serve as a foundation. You probably know that just a couple of days ago, we signed a joint treaty with the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan which, I think, signals the start of a more active stage for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.” Serzh Sarkisyan assured the Armenians of Belgium that Armenia is a dynamically developing country that has a stable financial system and growing economy.

“During the first 9 months of 2008 we registered a 10.4 percent growth in the economy in conditions of 4.2% inflation. We managed to get through the situation as a result of the events in South Osetia,” said Sarkisyan.

“Today, we are getting ready to counterbalance the possible influence of the crisis on the economic growth with our proactive initiatives. In addition, many Armenian businessmen who have come out of the crisis in different countries are now turning to Armenia and see the necessary stability and possibilities for their business in their Homeland.”