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Huffington Post: Armenian Government Threatens Former Foreign Minist

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  • Huffington Post: Armenian Government Threatens Former Foreign Minist

    HUFFINGTON POST: ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT THREATENS FORMER FOREIGN MINISTER

    http://lurer.com/?p=45246&l=en
    2012-10-02 14:09:20

    An attack on a former foreign minister of Armenia is threatening to
    shut down one of the country's most active and innovative non-profit
    organizations.

    Vartan Oskanian, a U.S.-educated Armenian who served as foreign
    minister from 1998 to 2008, is being accused by the Armenian government
    of money laundering for a donation he accepted from the father (an
    American businessman and philanthropist) of former U.S. presidential
    candidate Jon Huntsman Jr..

    After leaving his post as foreign minister, Oskanian established The
    Civilitas Foundation in 2008 in order to strengthen Armenia's civil
    society. Since its creation, the foundation has received funding
    from several Western governments, as well as the OSCE, a number of
    international non-governmental organizations, and individual donors
    from around the world. Jon Huntsman Sr. was one of these donors.

    On Tuesday, the Armenian Parliament will vote to seek removal
    of Oskanian's parliamentary immunity, in order to charge him with
    expropriating funds and money laundering. If convicted, Oskanian could
    face four to 12 years in prison. With or without Oskanian's immunity
    being removed and whether or not he is put on trial, the Armenian
    government can also, at any time, freeze the Civilitas bank account
    and office resources, essentially shutting down the foundation,
    putting over 60 people out of work, and putting an end to the many
    successful development projects they have started in the country.




    From: A. Papazian
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