AZG Armenian Daily #157, 03/09/2005

Armenia-OSCE

ARMENIAN TRANSLATION OF THE HELSINKI FINAL ACT PRESENTED BY OSCE YEREVAN
OFFICE AND THE ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

YEREVAN, 2 September 2005 – The Armenian translation of the Helsinki
Final Act, the first comprehensive document addressing European
security, was introduced today to the public in Yerevan on the occasion
of the 30th anniversary of its adoption.

Some 150 representatives of the Government, the National Assembly,
civil society, international community and the media participated in
the event.

The publication is a joint initiative of the OSCE Office in Yerevan
and the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

“We hope that this translation will help the Armenian people better
understand OSCE principles, values and commitments,” said Ambassador
Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office.

He also praised the active role that Armenia has played in the
community of OSCE States and the good working relationship between
the Armenian authorities and the Office in Yerevan, as well as other
OSCE institutions.

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian underlined the uniqueness
of the Helsinki Final Act, saying it remains relevant within the
ongoing reform of Organization.

“The Helsinki Final Act created a platform for dialogue, where the
voice of every participating State had a right to be heard, every
opinion taken into account and interest articulated, no matter what
its military or economic weight,” he said.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan was established in February 2000 to promote
the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments, as well as
to encourage co-operation between the Republic of Armenia and the
Organization in all dimensions of security.