The Academic Council of the leading Armenian university made the decision in recognition of Mr Putin’s fruitful political activities as head of state.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian attended the Russian President’s meeting with Yerevan State University professors and students.
President Putin mentioned the Karabakh problem in his address. He said normal Armenian-Azerbaijani relations would promote Russia’s strategic interests. Russia was willing to help and stand by, and put agreements on record as soon as they were reached. From then on, Russia would resolutely work for strict compliance with them.
Mr Putin mentioned another issue, which he considered to be of extreme importance. Ethnic Armenians in Russia and ethnic Russians in Armenia made a lasting human bridge between the two countries—a bridge that deserved protection and strengthening. He exemplified the activities of the Russian Armenians’ Union as an instance of successful people’s diplomacy.