YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)– A delegation of the National Assembly of Armenia led by National Assembly chairman Khosrov Haroutiunian is currently visiting France.
On March 30 the National Assembly chairman delivered a lecture "Prospects of Peaceful Development of the Caucasus: Hopes and Realities" at the Institute of International Relations of France.
Describing peace in the Caucasus as a major factor of the European concept of security and cooperation on the eve of the 21st century–Haroutiunian presented those realities and problems which exist in the region–where cultural and historic heritage–human values–religions and often incompatible ways of thinking come in constant clash.
Given the peculiarities of the Caucasus–Haroutiunian argued that stable and long-term prospects of development in the region set a requirement–according to which interests of superpowers should not become a factor. Conditions should be created for harmonious existence–taking into consideration not only military balance–but also a healthy competition of economic interests. Turning to conflict settlement–Armenia–according to Haroutiunian–remains committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts through political negotiations which should involve all parties involved in the conflict.