A Conference on Armenian Economy to be Held in Washington, DC A conference focusing on the Armenian economy will be held in Washington, D.C. on May 17-18, 2008. Entitled Looking Forward: Global Competitiveness of the Armenian Economy, the conference is organized by the Armenian International Policy Research Group. The conference will bring together Armenian academicians and professionals from the Homeland and the Diaspora, as well as other experts on Armenia. The conference is sponsored by the World Bank, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Eurasia Partnership Foundation. Armenia’s Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan serves as a member of the organization’s Advisory Board and Minister of Economy Nerses Yeritsyan, is a Chair of the Executive Board. 2 Full text 4
Embassy of Armenia Leads Genocide Commemoration in Washington
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New Armenian Government Formed
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Ambassador Eduard Nalbandian Appointed New Armenian Foreign Minister
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Tigran Sargsyan Appointed New Armenian Prime Minister
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Inauguration of President Serzh Sargsyan
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Embassy of Armenia Celebrates Armenian Armed Forces Day
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Armenia’s 2008 Index of Economic Freedom Rank Once Again Puts it Ahead of Regional Trends, and Above European Average Ranking On January 11, 2008, the Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal released its joint study of economic freedom and investment climate trends in the world, better known as the Index of Economic Freedom. Armenia’s rank of 28 out of 163 countries of the world is well above both the world and European average. 2 Full text 4
Embassy of Armenia Hosts the Traditional Christmas Open House
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2007 Christmas Message to the Armenian American Community
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Prime Minister of Armenia Visits the United States, Meets Top Leaders
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Embassy of Armenia Hosts Prominent Author Peter Balakian
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Washington Post Publishes Reply from Ambassador of Armenia
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Armenian Government Delegation Visits Washington for the USATF Session, World Bank/IMF Annual Meeting
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Embassy of Armenia Hosts the Catholicos of All Armenians
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Embassy of Armenia Celebrates Independence Day in Washington, D.C.
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Embassy of Armenia Holds Art Exhibition, Concert at the World Bank
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Ambassador of Armenia Meets U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense
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Embassy of Armenia, Armenian Organizations Bid Farewell
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Parliamentary Elections in Armenia
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Armenia’s Foreign Minister Visits Washington, Meets Secretary Rice
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Embassy of Armenia Celebrates Armenian Army’s 15th Anniversary
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2006 Christmas Message to the Armenian American Community
As the holiday season approaches, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2007 on behalf of the Embassy staff and my family. This past year was a year of continuing progress in U.S.-Armenia relations, Armenia’s political and economic development, and Diaspora-Homeland relations. Armenia’s fifteen-year jubilee was a prominent event this year, and it drew light to Armenia’s achievements in transition and integration in the world over these years. 2 Full text 4
Embassy of Armenia Hosts Armenian-American Health Professionals
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Embassy of Armenia Unveils Armenian Rugs Exhibit at the World Bank
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Armenian Embassy with Leading Armenian American Organizations
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Embassy of Armenia Hosts National Day Reception in Washington
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Ambassador Markarian Hosts a Reception for Official Delegation From Karabakh  On June 28, 2006, Ambassador Tatoul Markarian hosted a reception at the Embassy of Armenia in honor of Speaker Ashot Ghulian and Foreign Minister Georgi Petrosian of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Speaker Ghulian and Minister Petrosian visited the Washington on June 26 -28, following successful meetings in Boston and New York earlier. In Washington, Speaker Ghulian and Minister Petrosian met with U.S. mediator on the Nagorno Karabakh peace process, Members of Congress, Washington-based policy and regional experts, and leaders of the Armenian-American organizations
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The Armenian Genocide To the Editor: Although Turkey’s ambassador to the U.S. asserts arguably that “history should be left to historians,” (NYT, May 24), the Turkish Government makes history a precondition for normalizing interstate relations with Armenia. Tatoul Markarian
Embassy of Armenia Commemorates Genocide Anniversary With a Remembrance Event, Photo Exhibit
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High Level Armenian Government Delegation Visits the United States for MCC Signing Ceremony
A high-level delegation of the Armenian Government visited Washington, D.C. on March 27 – 28, 2006 for the inauguration of the compact between the Republic of Armenia and the United States through the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The delegation, headed by Finance and Economy Minister Vardan Khachatrian, included Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, Chief Economic Adviser to the President Vahram Nercissiantz, and Ambassador Tatoul Markarian. The signing ceremony of the MCC-Armenia compact was held in the State Department, in the presence of U.S. and Armenian government officials2 Full text 4
Vahram Nercissiantz Addresses Carnegie Endowment on Armenian Economy  On April 6, 2006, Mr. Vahram Nercissiantz, Chief Economic Adviser to the President of Armenia, presented the current state and future prospects of the Armenian economy at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, D.C. In his address, entitled “Armenian Economic Reforms: Results and Challenges,” Mr. Nercissiantz explained the nature of economic reforms implemented in Armenia since independence and presented its main achievements, such as economic growth and liberalization.
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Ambassador Markarian Visits the Armenian Community of Philadelphia  Ambassador Tatoul Markarian, accompanied by his wife Anna, visited the Armenian-American community of Philadelphia on March 11, 2006, meeting with the representatives of nineteen Armenian organizations and prominent activists. A reception hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Papken and Anahid Megerian brought together organizations representing the entire spectrum of the local Armenian-American community
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Armenian Armed Forces Day Celebrated in Washington, DC
Ambassador Tatoul Markarian and Defense Attaché Col. Armen Sargsyan welcomed 2 Full text 4
Ambassador Markarian, MCC CEO Danilovich Discuss Armenia Compact
Ambassador Danilovich noted with satisfaction the commitment of the Armenian authorities, expressed in letters from President Robert Kocharian and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, to sustain the democratic... 2 Full text 4
Ambassador Markarian Addresses Conference on Armenian Economy
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Heritage Foundation, Wall Street Journal Study Upgrades Armenia’s Economic Freedom Index Ranking
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Dear compatriots, As 2005 draws to an end, I would like to share my impressions on our achievements, notable events, and the plans for the future. From the perspective of U.S.-Armenian relations, 2005 was an active year as both nations continued to enhance the political, military, security,... 2 Full text 4
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian Visits Embassy of Armenia
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Armenia Continues To Qualify for Millennium Challenge Funds in FY2006
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Armenian Defense Minister Visited the United States
Defense Minister and Secretary of Presidential National Security Council Serzh Sargsyan visited the United States from October 23 to 28, 2005, at the invitation of U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. The Minister's itinerary in the United States included bilateral military consultations in Kansas , Georgia , and Florida , and concluded with a series of high-level official meetings in Washington , D.C. On October 28, Minister of Defense Sargsyan met with his U.S. counterpart at the Pentagon. Secretary Rumsfeld hosted... 2 Full text 4
Catholicos Aram I Visits Embassy of Armenia in Washington , D.C.
Bestowing his blessings, Catholicos Aram I wished success to Armenia 's diplomatic mission in the United States in defending the interests of Armenia and ... 2 Full text 4
Eastern Diocese, FAR host Welcoming Reception for Ambassador Tatoul Markarian On October 11, 2005, the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Fund for Armenian Relief hosted a reception to welcome Ambassador Tatoul Markarian. Representatives of major Armenian-American organizations and community activists attended the reception. Primate of the Eastern Diocese Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Armenia 's Permanent Representative to the UN Armen Martirossian, and Secretary of the FAR Board of Directors Randy Sapah-Gulian made welcoming remarks, wishing ... 2 Full text 4
Armenia n Energy Minister Meets U. S. Secretary of Energy
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Armenia n Agriculture Minister Calls on U.S. Counterpart
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Ambassador Tatoul Markarian Visits Los Angeles
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Armenian Independence Day Celebrated in Washington , D.C.
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High-Level Armenian Government Delegation Visits Washington
Letters to the Editor, Success in Armenia I have a few reflections on Michael Mainville's article “Armenia Angst” (World, Wednesday). The continuously high level of U.S. assistance to Armenia , which started after its independence in 1991, can be credited to the success of economic, democratic, and legal reforms implemented in Armenia . Armenia is both a case study and a success story in economic reform according to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and Armenia 's inclusion in the Millennium Challenge Account last year is a testimony of Armenia 's progress according to that program's criteria of ... 2 Full text 4
Ambassador Markarian Meets OPIC Executive
Ambassador Markarian Meets USA ID Administrator Andrew Natsios
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After meeting Dennis Hastert, the Republican US Congress Speaker... 2 Full Text 4
Ambassador Markarian Meets U.S. Ex-Im Bank Acting President
t was agreed to work together to promote Ex-Im Bank's programs in Armenia and to review Armenia 's risk classification in international institutions to better reflect the country's significant achievements in securing macroeconomic stability and fostering double-digit economic growth.
Ambassador Markarian Participates in Catholicos Garegin II's Visit to Detroit
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Embassy of Armenia Marks a Milestone in Habitat for Humanity Armenia Program
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On June 13, 2005, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern) met with Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S., Tatoul Markarian at the Embassy of Armenia in Washington, D.C. Welcoming Ambassador Markarian to the United States, Archbishop Choloyan congratulated :: more :: 4
Minister Oskanian Visits the United States
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Ambassador Markarian Presents His Credentials to President George W. Bush
On May 26, 2005, Ambassador of Armenia Tatoul Markarian presented his Letter of Credence to President George W. Bush, accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States. During the ceremony, President Bush and Ambassador Markarian exchanged remarks, in accordance with the established tradition. In his remarks, Ambassador Markarian noted the ... 4 more 2
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Kansas National Guard General Meets Armenian Ambassador, Presents Governor’s Proclamation
On May 10, 2005, Maj Gen (KS) Tod M. Bunting, the Adjutant General of Kansas, and a delegation of senior military officials from the Kansas National Guard visited the Embassy of Armenia to discuss the military cooperation and the upcoming visit of State of Kansas senior officials and Kansas National Guard to Armenia. In his capacity as Adjutant General of Kansas, General Bunting heads the Kansas National Guard and serves as Director of Homeland Security.
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Ambassador Markarian Meets CEO of Millennium Challenge Corporation
On April 26, 2005, Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian met with Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Paul Applegarth and other MCC executives. Ambassador Markarian noted that cooperation with MCC remains a top priority, and stressed the need for timely completion of Armenia’s proposal, its finalization and approval in order to start the implementation of the MCA compact in Armenia promptly.
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90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorated at Embassy of Armenia
To honor the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC hosted a commemoration at the Embassy khatchkar memorial on April 22, 2005. Over 200 Armenian Americans and friends of Armenia, representing Armenian- American political and cultural organizations and individual members of the community laid flowers and wreaths at the khatchkar on the Embassy premises.
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Armenian Genocide Anniversary Commemorated on Capitol Hill
The 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was commemorated in a moving and dignified ceremony in the United States Congress hosted by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives and congressional staffers were joined by representatives of Armenian-American organizations and communities from all over the United States, as
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Ambassador Markarian Meets Secretary of State Dr. Rice, Presents Copies of Credentials
On April 5, 2005, Ambassador Tatoul Markarian met with Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice, and presented the copy of the credentials accrediting him as Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America. During the meeting with Dr. Rice, issues of mutual interest to the United States and Armenia, such as U.S.-Armenian bilateral relations, and regional developments and challenges were discussed.
Ambassador Markarian Comments on 90 th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on CNN International 
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Inaugural Address by the President of the Republic of Armenia His Excellency Serzh Sargsyan
Today is an extremely responsible day for me. A few minutes ago, I swore an oath to our people to unconditionally follow the provisions of our Constitution. On this historic day, we all swear an oath: I do it aloud, and ask you to do it silently. I am confident that each of you has an oath of your own to serve our fatherland and people.
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President Serzh Sargsyan Addresses Armenian Foreign Policy Agenda
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Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian Outlines Foreign Policy priorities in interview to Mediamax News Agency.
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Ambassador Markarian's Interview to the Armenian Mirror Spectator
The Armenian Mirror Spectator published the following exclusive interview with Ambassador of Armenia Tatoul Markarian in its August 13, 2005 issue. This was the first interview granted by Ambassador Markarian to the Armenian-American media. Begin text M-S: What is your biggest challenge in Washington ? You have dealt with the US government for a long time. Do you notice an improvement in relations or a downward trend?
The biggest challenge, if it can be called so, is to further promote the already excellent bilateral relations that are soundly based on shared values and interests. Since the restoration of Armenia 's independence, the United States extended significant political support and humanitarian assistance to Armenia, helping Armenia to sustain an independent statehood and implement democratic, legal, and economic reforms.
he cooperation between the United States and Armenia started immediately after ...
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Armepress News Agency
Q&A with Ambassador
Tatoul Markarian on
U.S.-Armenian relations
Q. How would you describe the current status of U.S.-Armenian relations? A. Armenia enjoys excellent relations with the United States , which are deeply rooted in our shared values and principles. Our task is to further enhance the already high level of cooperation and partnership with the United States to the mutual benefit of our nations and in order to meet the challenges that the international community now faces. Since the restoration of its independence in 1991, Armenia has had many achievements in building democratic institutions and civil society, a representative form of government, and a free-market economy. We appreciate greatly the enormous political, moral, and humanitarian support that the United States has extended under the...
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On April 23, the Congressional Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide was held in the United States Congress. The commemorative event was co-sponsored by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, the Embassy of Armenia, and the Armenian-American organizations, and was attended by the Congressional leadership and numerous Members of Congress, Congressional staffers, heads of the Armenian religious, political, and community organizations, members of the Armenian-American community and friends of Armenia. Speakers at the event included Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg, other Members of Congress, while President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars Dr. Gregory Stanton served as the keynote speaker.
On April 21, 2008, President Serzh Sargsyan completed the formation of a new government of the Republic of Armenia.
On April 15, 2008, President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree appointing Ambassador Eduard Nalbandian as Armenia’s new Foreign Minister. Please find Minister Nalbandian’s biography below.
On April 9, following his inauguration, President Serzh Sargsyan appointed Tigran Sargsyan as the new Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. Please find below Prime Minister Sargsyan’s biographical data.
On April 9, Armenia’s newly-elected President Serzh Sargsyan assumed the duties of his office following the inauguration ceremony in Yerevan. Please find President Sargsyan’s biography below.
On January 31, the Embassy of Armenia hosted the traditional reception to mark the Armenian Armed Forces Day. At the Embassy celebration, Ambassador Tatoul Markarian and Defense Attaché Col. Armen Sargsyan welcomed high-ranking officials from the Administration, State Department, Department of Defense and branch services.
The Embassy of Armenia hosted the traditional Christmas Open House reception and concert on January 11, 2008, with a performance by Armenian singer Noune Karapetian and pianist Levon Hovsepian. Heads of the Armenian-American political organizations and members of the Armenian community of Washington, D.C. attended the reception. 
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2008 on behalf of the Embassy staff and my family. Armenia’s political and economic progress continued, Diaspora-Homeland relations further strengthened, and Armenia’s relations with the United States further deepened in the past year.
Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Serzh Sargsyan was the United States from October 17 to 23, 2007 for high-level meetings with U.S. leadership, including the Congressional leaders, as well as to take part in the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. 
On November 16, 2007, the Embassy of Armenia hosted a reception in honor of prominent Armenian-American author and educator Peter Balakian, on the occasion of presenting to him the Armenian Medal of Movses Khorenatsi. The medal was awaded to Professor Balakian by President of Armenia Robert Kocharian. Established in 1993, this high government award is presented to individuals for “for their prominent contributions in the fields of culture, arts, literature, education, and humanities.” 
On October 24, The Washington Post published a letter from Ambassador Tatoul Markarian in response to an October 15 column by Fred Hiatt. In his article, Hiatt suggested that the Armenian-American community should have worked hard to promote democracy and human rights in Armenia instead of the Genocide recognition.
A high-level Armenian Government delegation visited Washington, D.C. on October 19-24 for bilateral discussions with U.S. government officials within the framework of U.S.-Armenia intergovernmental task force on economic cooperation (USATF) and to take part in the Annual Meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The Armenian delegation included Minister of Finance & Economy Vardan Khachatrian, Chief Economic Adviser to the President Vahram Nercissiantz, Agriculture Minister Davit Lokian, Trade and Economic Development Minister Nerses Yeritsian, Central Bank Chairman Tigran Sargsian, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakossian, Ambassador Tatoul Markarian, and officials from the Ministries of Finance and Economy and Foreign Affairs. 
His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, visited Washington on October 9-11, as part of his Pontifical Tour of the United States. In addition to meeting the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the leaders of other religious denominations in Washington, Catholicos Garegin II met with the Congressional leadership, delivered the opening prayer at the House of Representatives, and was hosted at a reception in the Armenian Embassy on October 10.
On September 5, 2007, an exhibition of Armenian paintings and sculptures, dedicated to the sixteenth anniversary of Armenia’s independence, was unveiled at the World Bank Main Building in Washington, D.C. The exhibition, organized by the Embassy of Armenia in conjunction with the World Bank Art Program, showcases more than 40 contemporary Armenian paintings and sculptures. The one-month-long exhibition will provide an opportunity to the multinational staff of the World Bank, members of the DC professional network and diplomatic corps, and the general public to view wonderful specimens of the Armenian culture. A concert of the Armenian medieval music was held on the opening day.
On August 14, 2007, Ambassador Markarian met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England. U.S.-Armenian bilateral military cooperation and regional security issues were discussed during the meeting. 
On July 23, the Embassy of Armenia together with the Washington-based Armenian community bid farewell ceremony to Lt. Georgi Nalbandian, an officer of the Armenian Armed Forces who had been receiving intensive therapy at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., since last November. Lt. Nalbandian was severely injured in Iraq, where he was serving as a member of Armenia’s 46-person-strong humanitarian contingent. During his stay at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Lt. Nalbandian has remained under constant attention of the Armenian Embassy staff and has received support from the members of the Armenian-American community in the Greater Washington area, many of whom visited him at the hospital. 
On May 12, 2007, elections for the National Assembly were held in the Republic of Armenia. This was the fourth parliamentary election since Armenia’s independence, and the first since the amendments to the Constitution were passed in 2005. Preliminary results published by the Central Electoral Commission indicate that the turnout was 59.4% and that five parties cleared the 5% threshold and will be represented in the National Assembly.
Armenia’s Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian visited Washington, D.C. on March 5, 2007, for meetings with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, members of the US administration, as well as US Congressmen. During these meetings he was accompanied by Ambassador Tatoul Markarian.
On January 31, the Armenian Army Day was celebrated in Washington, D.C. during a reception at the Embassy of Armenia. This year marked a jubilee, the fifteenth anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Army.
Dear compatriots,
On December 16, 2006, the Embassy of Armenia hosted members of the the Armenian-American Health Association of Greater Washington. The organization, founded in 1991 with the objectives of promoting health and medicine in Armenia, has transferred medicine, medical supplies, and other vital assistance to the Central Military Hospital of Yerevan, children’s clinics, and mobile health units in Martuni and Hadrut districts of Artsakh, and other recipients in Armenia and Artsakh.
The opening ceremony for the exhibition of traditional and contemporary Armenian rugs was held in the World Bank in Washington, D.C., on December 6, 2006. The exhibition, organized by the Embassy of Armenia in conjunction with the World Bank Art Program, showcases more than 30 ancient and contemporary rugs woven in Armenia and Artsakh and is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
On October 21, 2006, the fifteenth anniversary of Armenia’s independence was celebrated in Washington’s renown Omni Shoreham Hotel with a special event drawing near 500 guests from all Armenian communities in the United States and the heads of all the leading Armenian-American political, cultural, religious, and benevolent organizations. Represented at the event were organizations that made an essential contribution to sustaining the Armenian independent statehood, such as the Armenian National Committee of America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Assembly of America, Fund for Armenian Relief, the Armenian Missionary Association of America, the Cafesjian Family Foundation, and the Armenian Relief Society, whose representatives had the opportunity to make congratulatory remarks.
The Republic of Armenia National Day was celebrated in Washington, D.C. with a traditional reception held at the Embassy on September 29, 2006. More than 150 U.S. government officials, foreign Ambassadors and high-rank diplomats, U.S. and foreign military officers and Embassy’s counterparts from Washington-based think tanks and private organizations, and representatives of the Armenian-American political 
On April 26, 2006, the Embassy of Armenia hosted an event commemorating the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Over 500 Armenian Americans and friends of Armenia, representing the Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian-American organizations and individual community members laid flowers and wreaths at the khatchkar located on the Embassy premises. 
On January 31, the Armenian Armed Forces Day was celebrated in Washington, D.C. during a reception at the Embassy of Armenia. An official holiday in Armenia, it marks the valiance and dedication of the Armenian Armed Forces in defending the independence and freedom of the Homeland. 
On January 20, 2005, Ambassador Tatoul Markarian met with CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Ambassador John Danilovich and senior MCC officials to discuss the status of Armenia 's MCA compact. The MCC announced approval of Armenia 's 235-million-dollar Millennium Challenge Compact in December 2005.
A conference on the Armenian economy took place on January 14 -15, 2006, at the World Bank building in Washington , D.C. The conference on Public Sector Governance and Economic Efficiency was organized by the Armenian International Policy Research Group and attended by World Bank and IMF experts on Armenia , Armenian students and young professionals working in the United States , and economic development and emerging markets specialists.
The 2006 The Heritage Foundation/Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom ranked Armenia No. 27 out of 161 countries of the world, up from No. 43 in 2005 rankings. The annual study by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal cited progress in Armenia’s government 2005 track record on economy, including fiscal policies, foreign investment climate, wages and process, government intervention and informal market (corruption) scores in assigning a total score of 2.26 and ranking Armenia as ‘mostly free’ economy. 
2005 Christmas Message to the Armenian American Community by Ambassador Tatoul Markarian
On November 14, 2005, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America visited the Embassy of Armenia, accompanied by the Diocesan Legate, Bishop Vicken Aykazian, Pastor of St. Mary's Armenian Church in Washington , D.C. , Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian and members of St. Mary's Parish council. 
On November 8, 2005, U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation announced the countries qualifying for Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in Fiscal Year 2006. Armenia , part of the original group of countries eligible for MCA funds, will continue to be eligible together with 22 other countries. The MCA, a foreign aid distribution mechanism introduced by the Bush administration, will fund programs submitted by eligible countries to promote the goals of poverty reduction and 
economic development.
On October 26, 2005, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, visited the Embassy of Armenia in Washington , D.C. , as part of his tour of the United States . Accompanying the Catholicos were Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan of the Eastern Prelacy, Rev. Father Sarkis Aktavoukian of Bethesda 's Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church , and other church and civic leaders of the Eastern Prelacy.
On October 11, 2005, Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan met with his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman to discuss U.S.-Armenian cooperation in the energy sector.Minister Movsisyan expressed appreciation for continuing U.S. assistance to the Armenian energy sector, and presented the current status of the energy sector reforms. The Energy Minister highlighted the need to build replacement energy capacity prior to the closure of the Metzamor Nuclear Power Plant. Minister Movsisyan said he looked forward to working with the United States on the development of alternative energy sources in Armenia , including geothermal and wind power sources.It was suggested to explore the possibility for...
On September 26, 2005, Armenia 's Agriculture Minister Davit Lokian met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns to discuss U.S. - Armenian cooperation in the area of agriculture. Ambassador Tatoul Markarian also took part in the meeting. Minister Lokian expressed his appreciation for the past USDA programs in Armenia , which he said strengthened food-processing capacity and resulted in increased exports of agricultural products from Armenia . The prospects for continued programs introducing new technologies in this sector in Armenia were addressed.
The fourteenth anniversary of Armenia 's Independence Day was celebrated in Washington , D.C. with a traditional reception held at the Embassy on September 21, 2005. More than 150 U.S. government officials, foreign Ambassadors and high-rank diplomats, U.S. and foreign military officers and Embassy's counterparts from Washington-based think tanks and private organizations came to celebrate Armenia 's National Day. Also present were representatives of the Armenian-American political organizations. 
On September 13, 2005, Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian met with Acting President and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Ross J. Connelly to discuss potential cooperation between OPIC and Armenia. OPIC's major ...2 
On September 12, 2005, Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian met with Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Andrew Natsios. Ambassador Markarian presented the economic reforms in Armenia which have already secured high level of economic liberties and growth in Armenia . He also expressed appreciation for the USA ID assistance provided to Armenia and ongoing
In Washington , D.C. NA President Artur Baghdasaryan met Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Issues pertaining to the wide circle of Armenian-American relations were discussed in the atmosphere of full understanding. It was decided to develop the relations between the U.S. Congress and National Assembly. An agreement was reached on the cooperation of several concrete problems. 
On August 12, 2005, Ambassador Tatoul Markarian met with James H. Lambright, Chairman and Acting President of the U.S. Export Import Bank and discussed prospects for U.S.-Armenian trade relations and the potential for the Bank's programs in Armenia . Mr. Lambright acknowledged Armenia 's progress in economic reforms and positive macroeconomic trends, noting that Export-Import Bank had announced in March the availability of short-term and medium-term financing for Armenia 's public sector as well. Ambassador Markarian presented Armenia 's current economic and legal reforms, and the efforts by the Government of Armenia to promote trade and investment. 
On June 21 - 22, 2005, Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S., Tatoul Markarian joined the delegation of His Holiness Garegin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, during the Detroit part of his pontifical tour. The pontifical visit to Detroit included a joint event with Habitat for Humanity program, which is active in Armenia as well. Ambassador Markarian attended the welcoming brunch hosted by the Masco Corporation in honor of His Holiness. In his remarks introducing Catholicos Garegin II, the Ambassador noted the uniqueness of the position of the Catholicos, who he said provides a living link to our ancient history and to our future. Noting that the Armenian Apostolic Church has been a major shaper and carrier of Armenian national identity throughout history, Ambassador Markarian said, “We are doubly blessed to have 
On June 16, 2005, Embassy of Armenia hosted a reception to honor an important milestone in the Habitat for Humanity Armenia program, the construction of the 100th house in Armenia . Through the work of this organization in Armenia , which involved efforts by 100 local volunteers, almost 600 people in Armenia have been provided housing. In his welcome address during the reception, Ambassador of Armenia to the U.S. , Tatoul Markarian praised the Habitat for Humanity for its humanitarian spirit, which is manifested through enabling vulnerable people all over the world to acquire a home. The spirit of charity practiced by the Habitat of Humanity, the Ambassador said 
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. 