Armenia to help in Iraq reconstruction

United Press International

6/18/2004

WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) — Armenia is the latest country to join

President Bush’s “Coalition of the Willing,” in rebuilding Iraq.
In an interview with UPI earlier this week, Armenian Foreign Minister

Vardan Oskanian said his country would contribute, albeit in “a very

symbolic” way.
“We are ready to become engaged in rebuilding Iraq, but our resources

are very modest, so it’s going to be a very modest contribution,

nevertheless, the willingness is there.”
Armenia, Oskanian said, will be contributing doctors, medical personnel

and experts to help clear mines, as well as trucks, drivers and

technicians. The force amounts to about 100 people.
The minister said he believes all neighboring countries in the region

should contribute to the normalization of Iraq. Iraq’s Armenian

community is comprised of roughly 25,000 people.