… After the meeting in the Oval office the presidents answer to a few questions of the journalists.
Immediately after that, the private conversation between the presidents starts. Presidents discuss bilateral relations. Regional problems, Nagorno-karabakh conflict resolution, as well as the matters of allocated US assistance to Armenia are discussed. Ter-Petrosyan notes that Armenia asks from the USA not only humanitarian assistance but also financing of specific development programs. .
As a result of Ter-Petrosyan-Bill Clinton meeting, they made a joint statement. This is the highest level statement between Armenia and the USA which in terms of its content covers the essence of US-Armenian relations. The statement says:
‘’At their meeting at the White House, President Bill Clinton and the President of the Republic of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to continue their efforts to bring peace and security to the Caucasuian region.
Since Armenia’s independence in 1991, the United States and Armenia have strengthened relations. The United States was the first country to establish an Armenia Embassy after Armenia’s independence. This official visit by President Ter-Petrosyan marks an important step that further demonstrates the significance the United States and the Republic of Armenia attach to close bilateral ties.
President Clinton and Ter-Petrosyan underscored the urgency of finding a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The United States welcomes the most recent cease-fire agreement achieved between the parties on July 27, 1994. The United States and the Republic of Armenia reaffirm their belief in the need to work through the CSCE Minsk Group to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict and underline the need to coordinate all mediation efforts.
The United States appreciates the progress Armenia has made in promoting democracy, the rule of law and the principles of free-market economy, and reaffirms its commitment to help Armenia overcome the obstacles it still faces on the path to full economic reform. The two presidents promised to protect and promote the values the two countries share and which bind together the democratic community of nations. President Clinton and President Ter-Petrosyan agreed that Armenia’s stability and commitment to democracy and economic reforms constitute an important contribution to stability in the Caucasus region.
The Republic of Armenia reiterates its commitment to establish normal relations with all its names and full integration into international political and economic structures. President Ter-Petrosyan stressed that these objectives, so vital for Armenia’s independence and prosperity, can only be achieved through democracy at home.
President Ter-Petrosyan agreed to work together to promote bilateral trade and investments. Many agreements related to trade and promotion of investments have already been signed and parties are willing to sign an agreement to avoid double taxation.
Republic of Armenia expresses its gratitude and gratification for the humanitarian and technical aid provided by the USA in such difficult conditions for Armenia.
President Levon Ter-Petrosyan expressed his gratitude to the United States on behalf of Armenian people for providing wheat from its strategic supplies. Based on common political, economic and security interests United States and Armenia are laying a foundation for strong and long-term relations’’.
Presidents Clinton and Ter-Petrosyan
Thanks to Vahram Kazhoyan for the exclusive photos.
