YEREVAN, Dec.27 (ArmenPress) - "We give a special importance to year 2001, as it is a unique event, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the official religion of Armenia," says a New Year message by the US ambassador to Yerevan Michael Lemmon.

Evaluating the outgoing year, the ambassador thinks it is important that the Armenians were able to collect their forces to overcome the October 27 tragedy and unite for the establishment of inner stability.

The ambassador singles out the Armenian government's steps aimed at the improvement of the investment climate and economic development, pointing that the US Armenian Task Force set up by the late prime minister Vazgen Sarkisian and former US vice president Al Gore will continue to work to support Armenia.

The ambassador expresses hope that, entering a new millennium, the US will continue to cooperate with Armenia. Particularly, steps will be taken to promote Armenian economic development, and assistance will be rendered to Armenian government in struggling against corruption.

The ambassador expresses, on behalf of his country, readiness to help resolve the Karabagh conflict