WASHINGTON TO CONTINUE SUPPORT TO DEMOCRATIC REFORM IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Parliament Speaker Artur Baghdassaryan, who in on visit to the U.S., met with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Kozak, RA NA press service reported. The parties discussed the democratic reform in Armenia and the developments in the region. Mr. Kozak noted the importance of the constitutional reform and transparent elections adding that these issues are in the limelight of the U.S. The interlocutors also touched upon the establishment of the Armenian-Turkish dialogue, peace and stability in the South Caucasian states and peaceful settlement of the ongoing conflicts. The RA NA chairman also met with Jim Watson, Caucasus Team Leader within USAID's Europe & Eurasia Bureau, David Atwood, Senior Foreign Service Officer and Director of the Office of Democracy, Governance and Social Transition in USAID's Europe & Eurasia Bureau and some other USAID top officials. During the meeting the parties discussed the process of constitutional reform, struggle against corruption, relations with the neighbor states, regional cooperation, Karabakh conflict settlement and further development of democracy. Artur Baghdassaryan thanked the USAID officials for the implementation of efficient programs in Armenia. The parties also achieved agreement on new proposals and programs. To note, Artur Baghdassaryan is in Washington to take part in the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and to meet with representatives of legislative and executive power of the United States. The visit will be completed on September 9.