COLLIN POWELL: REGIONAL SECURITY AND COOPERATION ARE ARMENIAN PRINCIPAL TASKS

Collin Powell, the US State Secretary, congratulated Armenia on the 10th anniversary of its independence, which is celebrated today. "Past ten years of independence became a corner stone for Armenian future. In spite of tragic events of the last years - earthquake, war and murders, Armenia made significant steps in creating a democratic state and free market economy that provides stable independence and Armenian development," statement, published today in Republic of Armenia newspaper, says. The US welcomes Armenian intention of finding final solution of a 10-year Karabakh conflict, developing cooperation and improving relations with neighboring states, Powell said.