June 8, 2005

Media Advisory
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Yerevan , Armenia

Minister Oskanian Visits the United States

In Washington DC on a working visit, Foreign Minister Oskanian met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Minister Oskanian was also received by National Security Advisor Steven Hadley.

They discussed the panorama of Armenia-US bilateral relations, including economic, security and political issues. The Minister detailed the prospects for the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as well as Armenia-Turkey relations. Both Secretary Rice and Mr. Hadley expressed particular interest in the process of democratic reforms in Armenia and the outlook for electoral and constitutional reforms.

Minister Oskanian also went to Capitol Hill, where members of the Armenian Caucus gathered in the office of Caucus co-chair Congressman Joe Knollenberg to discuss Armenian issues with the foreign minister. Congressman Knollenberg (Michigan) was joined by co-chair Congressman Frank Pallone (New Jersey), as well as Congressmen George Radonovich (California) and Joe Schwarz (California). The Minister briefed the Congressmen on the Nagorno Karabakh negotiations process as well as the status of Armenia-Turkey relations. The Minister expressed his appreciation for the Caucus¹s support of Armenia¹s development. They discussed projects that might be included in the agenda of the Armenia-US Task Force.

During the day, members of the Armenian National Committee of America and the Armenian Assembly of America also spoke with Armenia¹s Foreign Minister about issues on the Armenia-US agenda.

The Minister also spoke to a small group of area specialists at the Brookings Institution, and responded to reporters' questions at the National Press Club.