ATHENS (ARF Press Office)–A delegation of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau met Friday with Greek defense minister Akis Tsokhadzopulous at the ministry.
Bureau chairman Hrant Markarian and political affairs chairman Vahan Hovanessian praised the defense minister for his principles stance during the years when the ARF was banned as a party in Armenia–as a result of misguided policies of the Armenian National Movement and its leadership.
Furthermore–the defense minister was also praised for his continued efforts in strengthening and furthering Armeno-Greek relations.
Stressing the strategic importance of Armeno-Greek relations–Tsokhadzopulous commended efforts to further ties with the Greek ruling party PASOC and the joint activities that had preceded the meeting with the defense chief.
The ARF delegation was in Athens where it held meetings–discussions and workshops in an effort to expand inter-party ties between the ARF and PASOC.
The defense minister opined that the ARF-PASOC cooperation–not only will bring renewed impetus to Armenian-Greek relations on the governmental level–but the ties will expand between Greece and the Armenian Diaspora.
Seeing the imperative of Armenia’s involvement in European organizations–Tsokhadzopulous suggested that the ARF apply for membership in the European Socialist Party. Given the defense minister’s position as that party’s vice-president–he pledged that he would do his utmost to assist the ARF in that matter.
On Friday afternoon–an announcement was issued by the ARF and PASOC–detailing the joint activities undertaken by the two parties and outlining future plans for strengthening cooperation between the parties.
On Friday evening–Markarian and Hovanessian were joined by the chairman of the ARF Central Committee of Greece Shahan Faradjian during a visit to Armenia’s Embassy in Athens. The ARF leaders met with Armenia’s Ambassador to Greece Armen Petrosian–with whom they discussed issues of concern and interest to Armenia and the Armenian people.