ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTERY STATEMENT SUPPORTS IRAQI

UNCLAS YEREVAN 001678 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958; N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ AM SUBJECT: ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTERY STATEMENT SUPPORTS IRAQI CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS REF: STATE 158420 Sensitive but unclassified. Please treat accordingly. 1.(SBU) On August 31, 2005 we presented reftel points to the Head of the MFA Press and Information Department Hamlet Gasparian and the Head of the MFA Media Relations Division Vladimir Karapetian. Karapetian told us that the MFA would seek an opportunity to express publicly the GOAM's support for the constitutional process in Iraq. ¶2. (U) On September 9, in response to a question from Armenpress News Agency on Iraq's constitutional referendum, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakossian made the following statement: "We have followed the process of the Iraqi constitutional referendum. In a country like Iraq, with great religious and national diversity, the Constitution adoption process is not only a vital and critical process, but also a complex process. We appreciate the willpower and efforts of the Iraqi political forces. We believe that the people of Iraq will adopt a constitution that will enhance the further development and stability of Iraq, and that it will correspond to the national and vital interests of all its people." EVANS