YEREVAN (Yerkir)–The fifth annual forum of Armenian Associations of Europe which convened in Venice on June 6–halted its work due to illegitimate activities undertaken by the Form’s coordinating commission.
Forming an unauthorized council–the coordinating commission attempted to enforce amendmen’s regulating the Forum. And in violation of the public nature of the conference–the commission then asked non-Forum members to leave the hall.
The conference was reportedly working effectively before these interruptions. Several speakers made noteworthy presentations–including ANC Europe’s Hilda Tchoboian on "The Diaspora and Lobbying," Mihran Dabagh on "The Diaspora and the Armenian National Culture," Spartak Kostanian on "The Diaspora and Economic Strengthening of Armenia," Armenian Defense Deputy Minister Artur Aghabekian on "The Diaspora and Security Issues of Armenia."
In response–the executive body of the Forum released a statement in Geneva on June 10–voiding all decisions made by the Forum–considering them "in violation of regulations." The statement also effectively dissolves the coordination commission. The executive body also in its statement announces that an extraordinary convention will be organized in the near future and invites Armenian associations and communities of Europe to participate.