Armenian FM Oskanian meets with Kranidiotis

Athens 11/03/1999 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday described as "excellent" relations between Athens and Yerevan after talks here with Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian.  "Cooperation between Greece and Armenia extends to other fora within the framework of cooperation among the countries of the
Black Sea region...," Mr. Kranidiotis said.
Mr. Oskanian said relations between the two countries were "very good", adding that the participation of private Greek companies in Armenia's economic development was "nota-ble".  He said that talks with the Greek side would extend to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the ethnic Armenian-dominated enclave
which seeks independence from surrounding Azerbaijan.
Mr. Kranidiotis also referred to cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organisation, of which Greece will assume the rotating presidency on May 1.  "We shall be playing an important role as a bridge between the countries of the Black Sea region and consequently, between Armenia and the European Union. Cooperation will extend to telecommunications, transport, industry and commerce," Mr. Kranidiotis said. Mr. Oskanian said Armenia would become a member of the Council of Europe by the end of the year. He added that a tripartite meeting between Greece, Armenia and Iran would be held on Sept. 7-8 this year.