On July 15, the second day of his visit to Washington , Minister Edward Nalbandian visited t he Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he delivered a speech on Armenian Foreign policy.

In his speech Minister Nalbandian focused on the Armenian – US relations, issues of security and stability in South Caucasus, Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and Armenian – Turkish relations. Then he answered a numerous questions concerning different directions of Armenian Foreign policy.

Minister Nalbandian also met David Kramer, US Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights. In the course of the meeting the sides discussed measures undertaken by the Armenian Government to overcome obstacles in the process of democratic reforms, emerged as the result of post electoral developments in Armenia.

Minister Nalbandian presented the steps of the Armenian Government aimed at the implementation of the provisions of the PACE resolutions 1609 and 1620. He noted, that democratic reforms are the conscious choice of the Armenian people and the Armenian Government is determined to continue and deepen that process not only because of the commitments with respect to the European structures or appeals of friendly countries, but also because first of all it is in the interest of Armenia and the Armenian people. Underlining the serious steps assumed in this direction, Edward Nalbandian also added that Armenian authorities understand, that there’s still a lot to do and they are firm in their decision to advance in that way.

Mr. Kramer shared the opinion of Minister Nalbandian and noted, that the United States, as a friendly country, desire that Armenia overcomes the difficulties and relying on a firmer base continues its democratic development. Mr. Kramer added that for that purpose the USA is ready to render necessary assistance to the Armenian Government.

During the meeting with Ambassador John Danilovich, the Chief Executive Officer for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Edward Nalbandian discussed issues connected with resumption of Corporation’s programmes in Armenia in full scale, stressing their economic and political significance in the context of Armenian – US bilateral relations.

Ambassador Danilovich noted, that corporation’s staff evaluated as effective the joint work done in Armenia and hoped that in September the Executive Council of Millennium Challenge Corporation would have an opportunity to reaffirm correspondence of Armenia with the Corporation standards.

Minister Nalbandian said that the Armenian Government on his last session decided to allocate about 17 mln. US dollars for the implementation of the commitments by Millennium Challenge Foundation – Armenia , on the construction of rural roads, which is an expression of determination of Armenian authorities to support the continuation of program.

On the same day Minister Nalbandian visited the US Congress where he met Congressman, Co-chair of Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues Joseph Knollenberg and members of the Caucus.

Armenian Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to the Congressmen for the years-long of pro- Armenian activity and stressed the role of the Armenian Caucus in strengthening of Armenian-US relations.

Congressmen presented activity of the Caucus and its future projects. They also noted that they consider themselves friends of Armenia and will continue their activity in favour of Armenia and the Armenian people.

Touching upon the issue of ensuring regional security Minister Nalbandian focused his counterparts’ attention on the militant rhetoric of Azerbaijan. He also mentioned, that Azerbaijan obviously violates international treaties on restrictions of conventional armament, particularly the provisions of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, an this is not receiving proper attention of the international community.

On the request of the Congressmen Minister Nalbandian presented recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace-process, Armenia ’s position on perspectives of Armenian – Turkish relations, as well as the process of democratic reforms in Armenia.