Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting with President Levon Ter-Petrosian of Armenia

The President met in the Oval Office today for 45 minutes with Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosian. The President congratulated President Ter-Petrosian for his recent victory in Armenia's first free and fair elections. He expressed U.S. support for the Armenian Government's political and economic reforms.

The President also said the U.S. intended to build a strong relationship with Armenia. The two leaders discussed possible U.S. assistance to improve food distribution within Armenia, to provide medical assistance, and to increase trade and investment through OPIC and the Export-Import Bank. In addition, the President told President Ter-Petrosian the U.S. planned to open a Consulate General in Yerevan in 1992 and was also willing to begin a Peace Corps program in Armenia.