U.S. doesn't want Armenia to choose between EU and Russia

PanARMENIAN.Net - During the meeting with Armenian President Robert Kocharian we discussed the South Caucasus's ties with the Cyprus, Turkey and Greece as well as Armenia's energy security, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Mattew Bryza told reporters in Yerevan.



Diversification of energy sources is one of the most important points in Armenia's energy issue. "The U.S. highlights security of the Metsamor NPP before its closing. We also think that construction of a new and secure NPP is necessary for Armenia," Mr Bryza said.



He also noted that Armenia and EU have elaborated joint projects in the energy sector adding that the U.S. would like Armenia to choose between Russia and the EU. "They should work together," he said.



At that the diplomat underscored that the closing of Verkhny Lars checkpoint at the Russian-Georgian border poses extra difficulties for Armenia. "We are trying to boost the commodity turnover between Armenia and Georgia as well as other states and are hopeful for normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey," Mr Bryza said.