“Search
for Long-term Stability in the Caucasus”
A
luncheon discussion with H.E. Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Republic of Armenia
February
4, 2003
The
Nixon Center, Washington D.C
Armenia’s
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian spoke at an “off-the-record’ lunch meeting
at The Nixon Center. Zeyno Baran, Director of International Security and Energy
Programs, moderated the discussion.
Minister
Oskanian started his talk by expressing Armenia’s sympathies about the
Columbia shuttle tragedy.
He
then discussed the upcoming Armenian Presidential elections of February 19 and
the parliamentary elections of May 25, 2003. Mr. Oskanian expressed the
government’s desire to see free, fair and transparent elections, which is
considered essential for Armenia’s democratic state-building.
Minister
Oskanian devoted most of his talk and the discussion to long term stability
issues in the Caucasus. After giving an update on the Nagorno-Karabagh
situation, he expressed hope that a peaceful resolution would soon be reached
between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Mr. Oskanian highlighted the need for creating
mutual trust—both between Armenia and Azerbaijan and also between Armenia and
Turkey—in order to bring peace and stability to the Caucasus region.
Minister
also briefly discussed possible implications of American-Russian increased
cooperation on Caucasus stability. Moreover, stating his government’s position
that Iraq must disarm, he expressed concern for the 30,000 Armenians living in
Iraq. On economic issues, Mr. Oskanian discussed Armenia’s WTO accession and
urged the U.S. to graduate Armenia from Jackson-Vanick amendment.
This
Program Brief was prepared by Nixon Center International Security and Energy
Programs Intern Melis Ozpinar
