This year has seen progress in Armenian-British relations, British Ambassador to Armenia Charles Lonsdale stated at his meeting with representative of the Armenian community in London on July 9.

The diplomat stated his intention to assist Armenian-British business ties. He called on London-based Armenian businessmen to open up businesses in Armenia and promised his help. The attendees asked the British Ambassador about the rule of law and corruption problems in Armenia. Ambassador Lonsdale pointed out progress, but major problems remain. The Armenian Government made the companies that had earlier enjoyed tax benefits pay taxes. The major problem is, however, the oligarchic system, which is now dominating the market and even the Armenian Parliament, Lonsdale said.

The British Ambassador also answered a question concerning the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Reaffirming the British Government’s position, he said that the new Government will hardly change its policy. Great Britain admits the fact and feels compassion toward the Armenian people. However, no court of law can now designate the 1915 events as genocide, and the British Government cannot use a legal term for designating historical events.

As regards Armenian-Turkish and Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, the British diplomat thinks no serious changes should be expected in the near future.

Ambassador Lonsdale also spoke of the British Government’s financial policy. He pointed out that the Government has to reduce expenses in all the fields. The British Embassy in Armenia will also reduce its expenses without reducing the number of programs. It will show a creative approach to resolving the problems.

A budget deficit means reduced expenses. A positive thing is that the Embassy will continue its programs in Armenia. Its task is to work better with limited funds, the Ambassador said.