March 6, 2007 - 13:13 AMT
Oskanian and Rice discussed U.S. initiatives on normalization of Turkey-Armenia relations
Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian currently in the United States with a working visit, the day before met with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice , the RA MFA Press Office reports. At the meeting the sides discussed issues concerning bilateral relations. The officials stressed the great importance of "Millenium Challenges" program in the framework of realization of such programs, which will allow to decrease level of poverty in rural areas of Armenia. In this regard V. Oskanian presented preparation works, which were done up till now for realization of the program. The two officials also discussed coming parliamentary elections in Armenia, stressing the importance to conduct them in accordance with the international standards. Alongside Vartan Oskanian and Condoleezza Rice discussed regional issues, situation in Armenian-Turkish relations and mediatorial initiatives of the United States for their normalization. The sides exchanged views concerning the process and perspectives of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.