YEREVAN (ARF Press Office)–A delegation of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau met Wednesday with the leaders of the Greek ruling party–the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement of Greece (PASOC)–at the Greek party’s headquarters in Athens.
Representing the ARF were Bureau chairman Hrant Markarian–Bureau political office representative Vahan Hovanessian and the chairman of the ARF Central Committee of Greece Shahan Faradjian. The ARF leaders met with PASOC Secretary General Kostas Skandalitis and foreign affairs adviser Paraskevas Averinos.
Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening and continuing inter-party relations. They also discussed issues related to the Caucasus and Europe.
The role of Greece as a model for peacekeeper in the Balkans was stressed–and it was stated that such a role model was needed in the Transcaucasus,
The two sides also discussed the feasibility of addressing issues of importance to Armenia’s through the mediation of PASOC. Cooperation in various spheres of interest–as well as the expansion of ties between the two parties were discussed. It was proposed that the latter be realized through a committee comprised of both party members.
In conclusion–Skandalitis said he found the strengthening of relations between PASOC and the ARF an imperative. Those ties have their practical manifestations during both parties’ activities within Socialist International–and provide renewed impetus for the Greeks to create a beneficial climate for Armenian issues within European political circles.
At the end of the more than hour and a half-long meeting–it was decided to further relations between two parties–and to include PASOC members working within Greece’s foreign relations–defense and economic development areas.
A day earlier–the ARF Bureau members were greeted at Athens International Airport by a PASOC delegation headed by the party’s public relations–Balkan and former Eastern European affairs director Dimitri Padzelis. The two sides held a brief meeting at the airport.