Anodyne Statements from the UK Ambassador‏

BRITAIN WANTS TO SEE PROSPEROUS DEVELOPMENT IN REGION
Aysor
June 28 2010
Armenia

Though new government has been formed in Great Britain lately,
GB Ambassador to Armenia Charles Lonsdale does not think that new
foreign policy over our regional issues and states will be worked
out. The Ambassador told reporters adding: "Great Britain wants to
see prosperous development in the region."

On this occasion Mr. Lonsdale said that Great Britain will keep on
supporting Armenia's constructive cooperation with NATO and EU.

Speaking about European Union last Resolution - Resolution 2216,
according to which, "Armenia should withdraw its troops from
Azerbaijan's occupied territories," Mr. Lonsdale said: "many points in
the resolution concern the whole region, for instance, the resolution
criticizes use of force."

Touching upon regional problems, specifically, the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict and establishment of Armenia-Turkey relations, the Ambassador
said that these two processes "cannot proceed easily, but there is
no alternative to peaceful negotiations."

"Great Britain is not directly involved in these processes, but wearmenag
continue support to strengthening the peace and peaceful conflict
resolution in the region," the Ambassador stressed concluding his
speech.

UK NOT TO ALTER POLICY TOWARDS SOUTH CAUCASUS
PanARMENIAN.Net
June 28, 2010 - 13:28 AMT 08:28 GMT

The formation of UK's new government will not entail changes in its
policy towards the South Caucasus.

"The United Kingdom stands for sustainable development of the region
and will carry on the constructive cooperation with Armenia," UK
Ambassador to Armenia Charles Lonsdale told a news conference on
June 28.

"Although the UK is not directly engaged in Karabakh and
Armenian-Turkish processes, we will continue efforts for strengthening
stability in the region," the Ambassador said.

According to him, the UK is interested in maintenance of good relations
with all countries of the region, including Azerbaijan.

"It's impossible to neglect energy issues in relations with Azerbaijan
but human rights and democracy are no less important for cooperation,"
he emphasized.

As to Armenia-UK relations, the Ambassador pointed out to the necessity
to strengthen economic ties.

"An Armenian-British business council was formed to encourage
cooperation in the field," he said.

He also hailed the Eastern Partnership initiative and said that
Armenia should itself decide on the speed and way of developing
relations with the European Union.

UK CALLS ON KARABAKH CONFLICT SIDES TO INTENSIFY TALKS
PanARMENIAN.Net
June 28, 2010 - 13:04 AMT 08:04 GMT

The UK deeply regrets the loss of life in the June 18 incident at
the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijani armed forces
and declares that use of force and similar incidents are inadmissible.

"Both sides should refrain from use of force. The incident once again
proved the significance of reaching an agreement through peaceful
means. We wish such incidents never repeat and do call on both sides
to intensify talks for a final and lasting resolution of the conflict,"
UK Ambassador to Armenia Charles Lonsdale told journalists on June 28.

"Although the clash gave rise to concerns, we believe that the
situation can't lead to a war," he said.

"The UK stands for continuation of talks under the aegis of the OSCE
Minsk Group," the Ambassador said, adding that his country welcomes
the latest statement by Presidents of Russia, France and United States.


UK'S STANCE ON EVENTS IN OTTOMAN EMPIRE REMAINS UNCHANGED
news.am
June 28 2010
Armenia

The UK's stance on the events in the Ottoman Empire early in the 20th
century remains unchanged, UK Ambassador to Armenia Charles Lonsdale
told a press conference in Yerevan.

The UK regrets the tragedy suffered by the Armenian people and the
crime committed against them. At that time the UK government fairly
condemned the events in the Ottoman Empire, the Ambassador stated.

Speaking of the UK's possible recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
Lonsdale noted that the issue should be addressed to the British MPs.


BRITAIN REGRETS ARMENIAN PEOPLE'S PAIN, SAYS BRITISH AMBASSADOR
Aysor
June 28 2010
Armenia

"The issue of recognition of the 1915 Genocide against Armenians is
within the power of British Parliament, not government," said at the
press conference UK's Ambassador to Armenia Charles Lonsdale.

He pointed that there are no any changes in British government's
position over the issue. "We regret the crimes and the pain that
Armenian people met early (in the 20th) century," said British
Ambassador.

He stressed that Britain had condemned what happened in 1915. "That
times the British government rightly condemned what had happened
early in the 20th century," he said.

"Never forgetting about the victims, we should look forward and
continue establishing relations for future generations," he said.