ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER CONGRATULATES

UNCLAS YEREVAN 000216 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/S AND EUR/CACEN (SIDEREAS) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC AM SUBJECT: ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER CONGRATULATES SECRETARY RICE SIPDIS ¶1. On February 2, the embassy received text of a congratulatory letter for Secretary Rice from Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. The original was forwarded via pouch to EUR/CACEN. ¶2. Begin text: January 31, 2005 Dear Dr. Rice, Allow me to extend my warmest congratulations on your appointment as the Secretary of State of the United States of America. Our bilateral relations can be described as very good, and I can only look forward to working with you to further enhance what we already have. Armenia highly appreciates U.S. efforts to promote democracy, peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, and I remain confident that the United States will remain actively engaged in the process of promoting democratic institutions, a liberal economy, as well as security and stability in Armenia. We are especially appreciative of the continued and active U.S. involvement in the Minsk Group Nagorno Karabakh resolution process. I look forward to seeing you again soon to discuss these and other matters of mutual interest. Again, congratulations, and the best of luck. Sincerely, Vartan Oskanian End text. EVANS