YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–More than 700 representatives of Armenian communities from 53 countries began arriving in Armenia to take part in the Armenia-Diaspora Conference–head of the Department for Relations with the Diaspora–Armenian Foreign Ministry–Jivan Movsissian told Noyan Tapan.
He reported that 250-300 delegates have arrived in Yerevan. Delegations from Russia–France–Lebanon and other Arab countries are due to arrive in the coming days. According to Movsissian–aside from the delegates–some 200 Diasporan Armenia’s expressed interest to attend the forum as observers.
Movsissian also reported that among other issues the Forum is to discuss economic concerns. Several businessmen will arrive in Yerevan and a joint business forum to be attended by Armenian and Diasporan businessmen is to be held September 24. The forum will discuss common problems of economic cooperation.
Movsissian also presented the cultural program prepared for the Forum participants. On September 21 the guests are scheduled to attend a military parade on the occasion of Armenia’s Independence Day. Later that day–they will be invited to a reception hosted by Armenian President Robert Kocharian at the Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan. On September 21–22–23–the Forum participants are scheduled to visit the Opera House and participate in other cultural events. On September 24–Armenian Prime Minister will invite all the Forum participants to Sardarabad–where a farewell reception will be held.
An official delegation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic led by President Arkady Ghoukassian will attend the Armenia-Diaspora forum to be held in Yerevan on September 22-23.
The delegation includes National Assembly Chairman Oleg Yesayan–Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian–Head of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Arch. Pargev Martirossian–Minister for Foreign Affairs Naira Melkoumian–Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanian–Minister of Culture–Youth Affairs and Sports Armen Sargssian–members of parliament–representatives of public and business circles.
His Holiness Aram I–Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia will arrived in Yerevan Monday to attend the Armenia-Diaspora forum planned here. Also leaders of prelacies and the Central Executive Council of the Catholicosate will take part in the forum together with Aram I.
Catholicos Aram I is due to make opening remarks at the forum.
