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"SPORT IS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE"
A1+
24 January, 2008
"The freedom of press, as the freedom of speech and expression are
in the basis of a democratic society.
Defending press we defend democracy, our right for truth. Free press
today is a guarantee for the future of democracy", said member of
the RA NA Delegation to PACE in Strasbourg Vahe Hovhannisyan.
The PACE Committee on Culture, Science and Education discussed cases of
violations against journalists (including in Belarus, Russia, Turkey).
During the discussion the Armenian representative noted that
violence against journalists, physical abuses are acts of violence
against the freedom of thought. They cannot have any justification
or explanation. "Not depreciating the importance of journalistic and
media ethics, still the persecution of journalists and acts of violence
may have no justification and must be considered as unnatural in any
country of the world".
Vahe Hovhannisyan reminded that a year had passed since the famous
journalist, editor of "Agos" Armenian newspaper Hrant Dink was
killed in Istanbul. "We have to state that nationalistic spirits in
any country have a negative influence on the freedom of thought and
expression. This means that authorities in these countries must work
harder to ensure increase of tolerance inside their societies",
he said. The members of Turkish delegation responded to him,
strictly condemning the assassination. In the second part of the
day they discussed the resolution on European Sport Model. The Head
of the Armenian Delegation David Harutyunyan nad the member of the
Delegation Vahe Hovhannisyan protecting adotpiotn of the resolution
in their speeches.
"One of important characteristics of sport is its being away from
politics. Amongst its social, cultural and educational features sport
has to preserve this one, too, and remain above politics. It will
allow strengthening its role of uniting people all over the world
based on their interests and common features, and not - on their
ethnic or political belonging.
I want to mention here the forthcoming match between Armenian and
Turkish National Football Teams during World Cup qualification matches.
This match should become an evidence of the non-politicized nature of
sport. It must also show the real capacities of contemporary sport
to overcome the long-lasting tension between Armenian and Turkish
publics. I want to remind that there are still no diplomatic relations
between our states. It makes everything harder.
Armenian sport officials have already declared their readiness to
ensure security and welcome for Turkish players and fans. Turkish
side has also stated similar willingness. This must be a multi-sided
work, and I hope it will result in a good football, uniting instead
of dividing us", said Vahe Hovhannisyan in his speech.
"Sport is a place for everyone, and the dearest value of the European
Model is its principle of democracy.
It's something that lets people stay in touch with each other and
be more humane. Everybody truly dedicated to sporting values should
invest his effort to protect its democratic and open future" concluded
Vahe Hovhannisyan.
The Armenian Delegation voted for the adoption of the resolution.
A1+
24 January, 2008
"The freedom of press, as the freedom of speech and expression are
in the basis of a democratic society.
Defending press we defend democracy, our right for truth. Free press
today is a guarantee for the future of democracy", said member of
the RA NA Delegation to PACE in Strasbourg Vahe Hovhannisyan.
The PACE Committee on Culture, Science and Education discussed cases of
violations against journalists (including in Belarus, Russia, Turkey).
During the discussion the Armenian representative noted that
violence against journalists, physical abuses are acts of violence
against the freedom of thought. They cannot have any justification
or explanation. "Not depreciating the importance of journalistic and
media ethics, still the persecution of journalists and acts of violence
may have no justification and must be considered as unnatural in any
country of the world".
Vahe Hovhannisyan reminded that a year had passed since the famous
journalist, editor of "Agos" Armenian newspaper Hrant Dink was
killed in Istanbul. "We have to state that nationalistic spirits in
any country have a negative influence on the freedom of thought and
expression. This means that authorities in these countries must work
harder to ensure increase of tolerance inside their societies",
he said. The members of Turkish delegation responded to him,
strictly condemning the assassination. In the second part of the
day they discussed the resolution on European Sport Model. The Head
of the Armenian Delegation David Harutyunyan nad the member of the
Delegation Vahe Hovhannisyan protecting adotpiotn of the resolution
in their speeches.
"One of important characteristics of sport is its being away from
politics. Amongst its social, cultural and educational features sport
has to preserve this one, too, and remain above politics. It will
allow strengthening its role of uniting people all over the world
based on their interests and common features, and not - on their
ethnic or political belonging.
I want to mention here the forthcoming match between Armenian and
Turkish National Football Teams during World Cup qualification matches.
This match should become an evidence of the non-politicized nature of
sport. It must also show the real capacities of contemporary sport
to overcome the long-lasting tension between Armenian and Turkish
publics. I want to remind that there are still no diplomatic relations
between our states. It makes everything harder.
Armenian sport officials have already declared their readiness to
ensure security and welcome for Turkish players and fans. Turkish
side has also stated similar willingness. This must be a multi-sided
work, and I hope it will result in a good football, uniting instead
of dividing us", said Vahe Hovhannisyan in his speech.
"Sport is a place for everyone, and the dearest value of the European
Model is its principle of democracy.
It's something that lets people stay in touch with each other and
be more humane. Everybody truly dedicated to sporting values should
invest his effort to protect its democratic and open future" concluded
Vahe Hovhannisyan.
The Armenian Delegation voted for the adoption of the resolution.