AMBASSADOR EVANS PRESENTS COPIES OF HIS LETTERS OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 001862

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/23/2014
TAGS: PREL PGOV AM
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR EVANS PRESENTS COPIES OF HIS LETTERS OF
CREDENCE TO FM OSKANIAN


Classified By: Ambassador John M. Evans for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

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SUMMARY
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1. (SBU) Ambassador Evans presented copies of his letters of
credence to Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian August

23. The Ambassador highlighted the strong U.S.-Armenia
bilateral relationship, outlined U.S. policy objectives, and
noted that new opportunities may exist in the South Caucasus
and the broader region. Oskanian agreed that the
U.S.-Armenia relationship was strong, and suggested that he
and the Ambassador immediately move to a first-name basis --
a suggestion that Ambassador Evans welcomed. End Summary.

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"DIPLOMACY IS A GAME OF INCHES"
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2. (C) In a brief introductory call on August 23, Ambassador
Evans met with Foreign Minister Oskanian to present copies of
his letters of credence. Formal presentation of credentials
is expected to take place in early September, when President
Kocharian returns to Armenia.


3. (C) Quoting Deputy Secretary Armitage's comment that
"diplomacy is a game of inches," Ambassador Evans noted that
he wanted to build on the already strong relationship and to
further the USG's main goals of promoting regional stability
and security, promoting prosperity, and developing democratic
institutions. We have some very significant opportunities,
Ambassador Evans continued. Within our bilateral
relationship we already have established strong ties through
our assistance, we have new prospects for increasing defense
cooperation and for additional opportunities through the
Millennium Challenge Account. Ambassador Evans also
discussed the USG sense that there may be some new
opportunities for change in the South Caucasus, including new
partners with whom to work in Georgia, and we want to see the
entire region prosper. Finally, Ambassador Evans commented,
we have new winds blowing in the Middle East. He welcomed
the Armenian contribution to the Coalition efforts in Iraq.

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"FEEL FREE TO CALL ME ANYTIME"
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4. (C) Urging Ambassador Evans to feel free to call him
directly anytime, even at home, the Minister urged the
Ambassador to move to a first-name basis. Oskanian agreed
that, "The goals you've outlined are the ones we want:
stability, peace and prosperity." He continued that while a
great deal had been done, the most difficult tasks were still
ahead. On democracy, Oskanian noted, "We've barely scratched
the surface." Since 1994 the region has enjoyed the benefits
of a cease-fire, but now both sides need to work to make a
"real peace." Oskanian noted that he'll be meeting with
Azerbaijan's FM in Prague at the end of August and that
Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev will meet in Astana in
September. Oskanian will continue his talks with Turkish FM
Gul, and expressed appreciation for U.S. efforts to date to
urge Turkey to normalize its relationship with Armenia.
Oskanian emphasized Armenia's desire to see Turkey de-link
the closed border from a solution to N-K, Ambassador Evans
noted that we needed to encourage everyone to think in
broader terms.

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A WARM START
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5. (C) Foreign Minister Oskanian changed his travel plans in
order to be able to receive Ambassador Evans on his first
working day in Yerevan -- a strong signal that he and the
Armenian government continue to place a high premium on good
relations with the U.S. and on cordial personal relations
between the Foreign Minister and the U.S. Ambassador.
EVANS