ARMENIA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED -- BATTLING GLOBAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 001940

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/02/2014
TAGS: PREL PTER AM
SUBJECT: ARMENIA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED -- BATTLING GLOBAL
TERRORISM

REF: STATE 187644

Classified By: DCM A.F.Godfrey for reasons 1.4 (b, d)

(C) DCM delivered reftel demarche September 1 to Deputy
Foreign Minister Tatul Margarian. In light of Armenia's
developing relationship with Iran, we placed particular
emphasis on Iran's role as the leading state sponsor of
terrorism. Margarian said that Armenia's ties to Iran are
developing as a matter of simple geographic necessity.
Iranian President Khatami will visit Armenia, most likely
during the second week of September, to conclude specific
economic agreements. Margarian said that the GOAM intends to
continue to conduct its relationship with Iran transparently,
taking into account U.S. concerns "as much as possible."
Margarian noted that at the same time Armenia is developing
some economic ties with Iran, it continues to cooperate with
the U.S. on strengthening border controls.
EVANS