YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Visiting President of Argentina Carlos Menem and Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian Tuesday visited the Genocide memorial monument at Dzidzernakapert. Menem laid a commemorative wreath to honor the memory of all Genocide victims.
The Argentine delegation was then welcomed at Yerevan’s Armenian-Argentine school–where Menem laid a wreath at the monument of General Jose de San Martin. Both presidents addressed the pupils and the teaching staff of the school. They stressed the significance of ties and cooperation between the two countries and the significant role of the Armenian community of Argentina.
Pupils greeted the guests in Spanish and gave a concert in their honor.
At an official meeting between the two presidents–Kocharian gave detailed information on the ongoing economic reforms in Armenia–claiming that the government is pursuing a rather drastic policy of economic reforms. The financial system is fully liberalized; great work is being done to restore the country’s industry and to create a favorable climate for private business and foreign investmen’s–he reported.
Speaking of the prospective spheres of economic development–such as the mining and smelting industry–the chemical and light industry–Kocharian said that a number of serious programs had already been launched with the assistance of different companies.
"I am sure that Armenia will become the most stable and disciplined country of the Transcaucasus," said Kocharian.
Kocharian presented the current state of the Karabakh peace process to the president of Argentina–stressing that Armenia has clear approaches to the problem. He said a return to 1988 is no longer possible and that the reality of the aftermath of war has to be dealt with.
"Armenia has made its proposals and is ready to sit down and seriously discuss them," said Kocharian–adding that a negotiated formula appropriate to all sides is needed.
Stressing his country’s willingness to expand mutually advantageous cooperation with Armenia–Menem highlighted the important role the Armenian community of Argentina might play in developing bilateral ties.