On April 12 RA NA Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan, being on an official visit in the Russian Federation met Boris Gryzlov, Chairman of the RF State Duma.

During the meeting in the atmosphere of mutual understanding a wide scope of issues was discussed, which involved the inter-parliamentary cooperation, partnership in international structures, the implementation of the agreement “Debt-for-Equity,” the work of the ferry terminal, the legal status of the Armenians living in Russia, in particular, the issue of being in Russia without visa for 90 days, the development scientific-educational ties. In response to the questions of NA Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan, Mr. Gryzlov noted about the works done, touching upon the process of implementation of agreement, and added that a business plan on “Mars” plant was developed, the preliminary works of completion of land and repairing-recovering, technological cycles were implemented. The customer was approved, and soon the enterprise will begin to work, and works have been done for other enterprises. The issue of the Armenians’ legal status, which is in the stage of discussion, is also expected to be considered in legislative way or by an agreement.

During the meeting other issues were also discussed.

During the meeting with Sergey Mironov, Chairman of the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation , the problems of the development of the Armenian-Russian relations were discussed. Highlighting the inter-regional cooperation, Mr. Mironov promised to promote the future works of the center. On behalf of the Federal Assembly he expressed readiness to promote the implementation of the program “Debt-for-Equity” and the adoption of new law on Migration, which was developed, according to the relevant article on the establishment of RF bilateral relations and solution of transport issues. During the meeting the issues of implementation of scientific-cultural joint programs and cooperation of branch institutes of the National Academies of Sciences.

An exhibition dedicated to the 90^th anniversary of 1915 Armenian Genocide opened with the participation of the Speakers of two parliaments in the RF Federal Council. Opening the exhibition, Mr. Mironov noted that one of the biggest tragedies of the human history happened with the Armenians, and it should not be forgotten, and the evidence of it is the opening of the exhibition, which is a tribute to the memory of the victims of the Genocide. RA NA Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan also highlighted the recognition of the crimes like the Genocide and condemning it, which will prevent the repetition of such tragedies.

The same day the meeting of NA Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan with RF Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov was held.

During the meeting a wide scope of issues was discussed, and Mr. Fradkov stated that after the visit of RF President to Armenia in March assignments were given in Yerevan. The Prime Minister noted that the fulfillment of those assignments can be delayed by objective reasons, but the agreements of principle will certainly be fulfilled. Touching upon Caucasus-Poti ferry, Mr. Fradkov also noted the importance of setting up the second line, which will promote the increase of the turnover of the imported goods to Armenia and exported goods from Armenia. The opportunity of joining Armenia to North-South corridor was discussed. He promised to discuss and find solutions for the financing of inter-regional cooperation center. In Russia the issue of the legal status of the Armenians living in Russia will also be included within the framework of the law on the Regulation of Migration in Russia, in order to solve the problem of being them in RF without visa for 90 days. In the future the problems of re-operating the enterprises transferred to RF by “Debt-for-Equity” agreement also be concretized. The Prime Minister highlighted the effective work of the Armenian-Russian inter-governmental committee.