Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian held several bilateral meetings on his first working day in New York, where he is accompanying Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan to the 60th anniversary of the UN General Assembly. On Thursday, the Foreign Minister met with Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Union Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy. They spoke about the ENP. The Minister briefed the Commissioner on the current state of negotiations regarding the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Minister Oskanian also met with George Iacovou, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus. They discussed regional issues as well as cooperation in international organizations. Later, Minister Oskanian met with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. Minister Oskanian presented to Minister Aboul Gheit President Kocharian¹s letter of congratulations to
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The two discussed developments in the Middle East, and in the Caucasus. Minister Oskanian spoke with Pierre Chevalier, Belgium¹s special envoy to the OSCE. The Minister explained Armenia¹s cooperation with the OSCE at various levels, expressing Armenia¹s appreciation for OSCE support in various areas, including democratic development, regional development. The Minister briefed Ambassador Chevalier on the ongoing Karabakh talks and prospects for a resolution. In the margins of the UN General Assembly, the Francophonie Association held a high level meeting. Minister Oskanian participated in the meeting which focused on ways the developed world can help the developing world to alleviate poverty. The Minister also held a working meeting with OSCE Minsk Group US co-chair Ambassador Steven Mann. Prime Minister Margaryan will address the General Assembly on Friday, September 16, and Foreign Minister Oskanian will do so on Sunday, September 18.