More than 80 foreign ministers attended the conference and discussed support
for Iraq's political transition process, encouraging its economic recovery
and reconstruction, and helping establish the rule of law and public order
in the country

At the conference, Minister Oskanian said, "We commend and appreciate the
simple act of convening this conference. It was important for everyone. It
was significant for those in Iraq who need to know that the world continues
to remain engaged, and it is reinforcing for those involved in the effort to
re-build Iraq.

The people of Iraq need and deserve the persistent political and economic
involvement of all of us around the world. Even countries like Armenia, with
modest resources, can continue to maintain a small, symbolic presence
there, he said, referring to the 40 non-combat medical personnel who have
been engaged there since the beginning of the year.

Armenians know well the value of moral support and the driving force of
concerned onlookers. Further, as the foreign minister of a country and a
people still living through the difficult and trying period of transition, I
can tell you that it is only through sustained economic support, through the
long-term investment of serious economic resources, that a society will
begin to believe in the prospect of peace, in the promise of democracy.

There is a tendency to ignore or neglect problems for which one has no
immediate answer or prospect for solution. Some problems appear too
difficult, too exotic, too unknown, too uncertain, too different for
immediate solutions. It is when these are ignored that the social and
political risks become insurmountable. The Iraqi people have demonstrated a
readiness to move ahead, to risk today for the promise of tomorrow. The
world community cannot desert them on that road," he said.

The Minister also noted the presence of Armenians in Iraq. "Iraq is blessed
with natural resources. Those include not just those in the ground, but also
the wealth that is derived from its ethnic diversity. A sizable and old
Armenian community is part of that mix, and we know that together with the other citizens of Iraq they look forward to contributing to Iraq's prosperous, peaceful future."

Minister Oskanian concluded by saying, "Armenia, in turn, looks forward to
developing and strengthening bilateral relations with a peaceful, unified
and democratic Iraq. It is only 200 miles, as the crow flies, between our
two capitals, and the ability to easily communicate and cooperate is an
exciting one for all of us."

The Minister returns to Yerevan on Wednesday, June 22.