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Serzh Tankian And Atom Egoyan Express Their Support To Vardan Oskani

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  • Serzh Tankian And Atom Egoyan Express Their Support To Vardan Oskani

    SERZH TANKIAN AND ATOM EGOYAN EXPRESS THEIR SUPPORT TO VARDAN OSKANIAN

    Mediamax
    Oct 1 2012
    Armenia

    Yerevan/Mediamax/. Members of Civilitas Foundation Honorary Board Serzh
    Tankian and Atom Egoyan made statements on Vardan Oskanian's case.

    "The persecution of Vartan Oskanian, former foreign minister
    of Armenia, is clearly politically motivated. The funds from Jon
    Huntsman Sr were donated to Civilitas via Oskanian in early 2011. Yet
    the proceedings against Mr. Oskanian were brought on only after he
    re-entered politics in Armenia this year. Civilitas, the non-profit
    organization started by Mr. Oskanian, has done amazing work in Armenia,
    as well as diplomatically abroad, for Armenia. It is extremely
    important for a developing democracy to shun the monopolization of
    media, industries, and political offices. It is also very important for
    Armenian citizens to be able to express their choices and grievances by
    voting in free and fair elections, monitored by reputable international
    polling organizations. For centuries we have been controlled by one
    foreign entity or another. Although we have allegiances, allies, and
    the need for aid as a nation, our democracy and economy should not
    be victimized by influences from the West (U.S. mainly), nor Russia.

    We must collectively rise out of this short sighted Soviet-era need to
    control industries and politics to allow our countrymen the freedom
    of expression earned over centuries of struggle", Serzh Tankian's
    message reads.

    "I have known Vartan Oskanian for many years, and believe that he is a
    brilliant statesman, committed to Armenia's prosperity and well-being.

    He is a truly international presence, capable of creating important
    bonds and bringing cherished ideas of democratic reform and free
    media to a country that is still recovering from over seventy years
    of Soviet-era control.

    With this in mind, I immediately accepted Mr. Oskanian's invitation
    to lend my name to the formation of Civilitas. I have watched as this
    vital organization has helped shape the course of open discussion
    and debate within a country I cherish and so proud of. This is why
    I am so shocked and upset by the current charges that have been
    brought against Mr. Oskanian. The persecution of Vartan Oskanian
    is a deplorable and politically motivated action which is extremely
    dangerous to the health of the country. I urge the Prosecutor General
    of Armenia to seriously consider the consequences of removing Vartan
    Oskanian's immunity and to charge him with this trumped-up charge.

    This action is being watched with great concern by anyone who is
    concerned with freedom of expression in a truly democratic and modern
    country", Atom Egoyan's message reads.

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