ATHENS (ARF Press Service)–A delegation of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau continued talks with Greek ruling party–the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement of Greece (PASOC)–at the Greek party’s headquarters in Athens.
The talks aimed at expanding PASOC-ARF relations–and included meetings with members of the Greek cabinet–among them minister of development Nikos Christodulakis.
During this meeting–the Greek minister expressed his country’s interest in developing economic relations with Armenia. The minister pledged to support an economic plan–set forth by the ARF Executive Council of Armenia. The minister expressed interest in an ARF plan aimed at fighting corruption in Armenia.
At another meeting with Greek foreign minister Gerghios Papandreou–issues of interest to regional development were discussed. The Greek foreign minister commended efforts to strengthen the PASOC-ARF friendship and cooperation–and stressed the importance of Greek-Armenian cooperation–especially on European matters.
The minister also praised the current level of Armeno-Greek relations–adding that Greek was willing and ready to take on a more active role in the region–which includes its long-time allies–the Armenia’s and the Georgians.
In discussing the recent Armenian Genocide resolution issue in Congress–the foreign minister expressed hope that the Armenian case will receive a just resolution in the future.
In an announcement issued by the foreign ministry–Papandreou praised the ARF delegation and efforts for cooperation underlined at the meeting. Furthermore–the announcement pointed out that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest–as well as strengthening of ties between Armenia and Greece.
The foreign minister announced that discussions also centered on regional matters–especially issues related to the Balkans and the Caucasus.
The minister also discussed Armeno-Greek relations on Diasporan level–adding that those ties have always been fruitful and encouraged the continuation of such cooperative measures.
During both meetings–the ARF delegation briefed the ministers regarding the current socio-economic and political situation in Armenia–as well as updated the Greek officials regarding the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.
The ARF delegation–which was comprised of Bureau chairman Hrant Markarian and political affairs director Vahan Hovanessian–also met with Greek parliament speaker Apostolous Kaklaman’s–who had expressed interest in ARF history–current situation and future programs.
The parliament leader emphasized the importance of PASOC-ARF relations–explaining that PASOC was the inheritor of the political force–which was instrumental in the development and signing of the Sevres Treaty.
The ARF delegation praised the Greek legislature’s professionalism in operating within a republican system of government. Cooperation between Armenian and Greek parliamen’s was discussed–as was the possibility of Greek assistance in training of experts within the Armenian parliament.
In conclusion–Hovanessian extended an open invitation to Kaklaman’s for a visit to Armenia–in order to better acquaint himself with Armenia’s legislature.