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MFA: 3rd ArmeniaDiaspora Conference will convene September 18 to 20

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  • MFA: 3rd ArmeniaDiaspora Conference will convene September 18 to 20

    MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
    ------------------------------------------ ----
    PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
    Government House # 2, Republic Square
    Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
    Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
    Fax: +37410. 562543
    Email: [email protected]
    www.armeniaforeignministry.am

    PRESS RELEASE

    01-09-2006

    The Third ArmeniaDiaspora Conference will convene September 18 to 20

    The Third ArmeniaDiaspora Conference is gearing up for three full days of
    meetings on two major themes. The Conference will convene September 18 to
    20, during the week when Armenia will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its
    independence.

    "This is a significant year for Armenians everywhere," said Minister of
    Foreign Affairs, Vartan Oskanian, who also chairs the Conference Organizing
    Commission. "For the first time in our history, we celebrate 15 years of
    independence. This is an auspicious time to be reflecting on what Armenia
    and Diaspora have done together, and on all that remains to be done."

    Day 1: September 18

    On the morning of September 18, the leadership of Armenia and
    representatives of international Diaspora organizations will address the
    several thousand participants on the current condition and future prospects
    for Armenia-Diaspora relations and cooperation. "This is a traditional
    concern," says the official announcement, "which requires new approaches,
    taking into consideration ever-changing geopolitical developments."

    On the afternoon of September 18, the Conference will focus on Rural Poverty
    Eradication. "To secure Armenia's total development, and from the
    perspective of certain strategic concerns, the comprehensive development of
    Armenia's rural communities must be assured," explains Minister Oskanian.
    "Therefore, our objective is to rally the resources of the Armenian
    government and Armenia's business community, the Diaspora and international
    organizations, to renovate rural infrastructure, facilitate economic
    development and create the necessary contemporary conditions to live and
    work in rural communities."

    Nearly 50 sponsors have already been identified to underwrite the
    rehabilitation and development of 50 of Armenia's border villages. "These
    very generous and very committed sponsors - some of them new to Armenia -
    will be sitting around a table together with those already engaged in rural
    development in Armenia, as well as representatives of rural communities, of
    Armenia's business community, and of the Armenian and international NGO
    community to discuss the program's goals and challenges. We will also
    discuss mechanisms for implementing this far-reaching and innovative
    program," added the Minister.

    These 50 villages are the beginning of a national effort to mobilize
    resources to sustain Armenia's economic growth and make certain that those
    living in regions far away from Yerevan also benefit from this growth.

    During and following the conference, there will be visual presentations
    about villages, and buses will take participants to villages near Yerevan in
    order to see first-hand the problems and the possibilities.


    Day 2: September 19

    On the second and third days of the conference, participants will hear
    experts from Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as non-Armenians, speak about
    diaspora-homeland relations in a changing world.

    " 'New Answers to Old Questions' was designed with the new and old diasporas
    in mind. Armenians living in Europe and North America are asking the same
    questions about language and culture and identity and belonging - but in a
    new environment. Speakers from Ireland, the US, Canada, Germany, will
    discuss the diaspora experiences of other nations, and Armenians from
    Armenia and the Diaspora will explore their own experiences. A full list of
    speakers is available at www.armeniaforeignministry.am.

    Day 3: September 20

    This third Armenia Diaspora Conference will conclude at noon on September
    20, when the Forum will conclude, and the Conference will come to a formal
    closing. The conference is open to all. Translation will be available in
    four languages - Armenian, English, French, Russian.

    The Second Armenia-Diaspora Economic Forum (www.businessarmenia.org) will
    take place on Wednesday, September 20, followed by a Pan Armenian EXPO-2006
    on Friday and Saturday, September 22 and 23.

    In addition to the conference, special cultural events, as well as
    independence celebrations will be held throughout the week.


    Information about the conference and registration information is available
    at www.armeniaforeignministry.am. Questions can be addressed to
    [email protected]
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