Armenia takes into account Pan-Arabian interests at international arena: president says

YEREVAN, November 26. / ARKA /. "I spoke today with president Suleiman about the importance we attach to our cooperation with Lebanon in the international arena. When formulating its position Armenia never ignores the pan-Arabian interests, including particularly the interest of Lebanon,' president Serzh Sargsyan said at a joint news conference with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman in Beirut.

According to Sargsyan, Armenians and Lebanese have always been distinguished by their love of peace. 

"Today Mr. Suleiman and I agreed that changes reflecting the will of the people must be enforced peacefully, without violence, casualties and terror. We were deeply saddened by the news about the terrorist attack in Beirut on October 19 and strongly condemned such a low act, which, hopefully, will not shake the peace in Lebanon ", said Sargsyan.

"We are deeply interested in the soonest overcoming of the existing problems and are willing, within our capabilities, to facilitate this process,’ he said.

"We had effective negotiations with president Suleiman and discussed the possibility of cooperation in new areas. We also exchanged views on international issues, particularly on the Middle East and the South Caucasus and confirmed that our relationship is based on good faith, mutual respect and trust,’ said Sargsyan.

According to him, the year of 2012 is symbolic, as it marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Lebanon.

"We noted with pleasure that during this period we have established parliamentary, cultural, educational, scientific contacts, signed by more than thirty agreements and added two more today,” Sargsyan said.

Sargsyan said the two sides agreed to use all the opportunities to promote bilateral economic cooperation. 

Lebanon has a 100,000 strong Armenian community. Armenians live in Beirut and its suburbs, as well as in Metn and Zahle. Most of Armenians Armenian in Lebanon are the followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Armenians runs the Haigazian University, as well as schools and colleges, publish newspapers. The community has two ministerial portfolios in the government and representatives in the parliament. -0-