PARIS (Armenpress)–The Pro-Armenia international conference organized by the European Armenian Federation for Justice an Democracy (Formerly ANC-Europe)–wrapped up on February 2–having attracted numerous dignitaries from twenty-five countries who contributed greatly to conference discussions.
Foreign Minister of Armenia Vartan Oskanian officially announced Armenia’s readiness to take the first step in establishing diplomatic relations with Turkey–"Although Armenia is neither willing to renounce its national memories nor dismiss the historical injustices it has suffered–there is ample room for dialogue about issues over which we disagree," said Oskanian.
He stressed that in insisting on a resolution to the Mountainous Karabagh conflict as a precondition to establish dialogue with Armenia–Turkey has wasted the historic occasion of the disappearance of the Soviet Union to invoke tolerance–neighborly relations and statesmanship.
Former Prime Minister of the Soviet Union Nikolay Ryzhkov who led the Russian delegation together with Russian Duma Vice-Speaker Artur Chilingarov–expressed his constant concern over the future of Armenia. Ryzhkov–best known for his dedication to helping Armenia recover from the disastrous earthquake in 1988–said that as a true friend he felt it his duty to participate in Pro-Armenia and to express his thoughts and concerns. He also condemned the ongoing blockade of Armenia by Turkey.
"I would truly like this conference to become a milestone for Armenia’s worldwide to unite and assist in Armenia’s development and prosperity,’ Ryzhkov concluded.
The Former President of Argentine Raul Alfonsin delivered an optimistic speech about the future of Armenia.
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia His Holiness Aram I pointed out the immense role of Armenia in East-West relations as well as in European reconstruction.
Delegates from Georgia expressed their allegiance to Armenia’s.
All Pro-Armenia participants expressed their immediate willingness to stand by Armenia when necessary.
The conference discussed economic–political and diplomatic issues of present-day Armenia–an inseparable part of the international community. Conference participants conveyed a unique admiration for Armenia and Armenia’s.
By being able to gather pro-Armenian figures from around the world– the conference unquestionably established a base for future collaboration.