US embassy cable - 04YEREVAN1862

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 001862 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/23/2014 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, AM 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR EVANS PRESENTS COPIES OF HIS LETTERS OF 
CREDENCE TO FM OSKANIAN 
 
 
Classified By: Ambassador John M. Evans for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
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SUMMARY 
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1. (SBU) Ambassador Evans presented copies of his letters of 
credence to Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian August 
23.  The Ambassador highlighted the strong U.S.-Armenia 
bilateral relationship, outlined U.S. policy objectives, and 
noted that new opportunities may exist in the South Caucasus 
and the broader region.  Oskanian agreed that the 
U.S.-Armenia relationship was strong, and suggested that he 
and the Ambassador immediately move to a first-name basis -- 
a suggestion that Ambassador Evans welcomed.  End Summary. 
 
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"DIPLOMACY IS A GAME OF INCHES" 
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2. (C) In a brief introductory call on August 23, Ambassador 
Evans met with Foreign Minister Oskanian to present copies of 
his letters of credence.  Formal presentation of credentials 
is expected to take place in early September, when President 
Kocharian returns to Armenia. 
 
3. (C) Quoting Deputy Secretary Armitage's comment that 
"diplomacy is a game of inches," Ambassador Evans noted that 
he wanted to build on the already strong relationship and to 
further the USG's main goals of promoting regional stability 
and security, promoting prosperity, and developing democratic 
institutions.  We have some very significant opportunities, 
Ambassador Evans continued.  Within our bilateral 
relationship we already have established strong ties through 
our assistance, we have new prospects for increasing defense 
cooperation and for additional opportunities through the 
Millennium Challenge Account.  Ambassador Evans also 
discussed the USG sense that there may be some new 
opportunities for change in the South Caucasus, including new 
partners with whom to work in Georgia, and we want to see the 
entire region prosper.  Finally, Ambassador Evans commented, 
we have new winds blowing in the Middle East.  He welcomed 
the Armenian contribution to the Coalition efforts in Iraq. 
 
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"FEEL FREE TO CALL ME ANYTIME" 
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4. (C) Urging Ambassador Evans to feel free to call him 
directly anytime, even at home, the Minister urged the 
Ambassador to move to a first-name basis.  Oskanian agreed 
that, "The goals you've outlined are the ones we want: 
stability, peace and prosperity."  He continued that while a 
great deal had been done, the most difficult tasks were still 
ahead.  On democracy, Oskanian noted, "We've barely scratched 
the surface."  Since 1994 the region has enjoyed the benefits 
of a cease-fire, but now both sides need to work to make a 
"real peace."  Oskanian noted that he'll be meeting with 
Azerbaijan's FM in Prague at the end of August and that 
Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev will meet in Astana in 
September.  Oskanian will continue his talks with Turkish FM 
Gul, and expressed appreciation for U.S. efforts to date to 
urge Turkey to normalize its relationship with Armenia. 
Oskanian emphasized Armenia's desire to see Turkey de-link 
the closed border from a solution to N-K, Ambassador Evans 
noted that we needed to encourage everyone to think in 
broader terms. 
 
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A WARM START 
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5. (C) Foreign Minister Oskanian changed his travel plans in 
order to be able to receive Ambassador Evans on his first 
working day in Yerevan -- a strong signal that he and the 
Armenian government continue to place a high premium on good 
relations with the U.S. and on cordial personal relations 
between the Foreign Minister and the U.S. Ambassador. 
EVANS