FIGHT AGAINST XENOPHOBIA SHOULD START AT SCHOOL
By Aghavni Harutyunian

AZG Armenian Daily
26/05/2006

The Union of Armenians of Russia held a sitting in Moscow yesterday to
present a report on 5 years of the Union’s activity and to elect a new
chairman and a central supervision commission of the UAR. UNESCO Good
Will Ambassador and Ara Abrahamyan was re-elected chairman of the UAR.

Making the summary report, the Armenian community leader said that
he considers “contribution to strengthening of the Russian state,
international peace and accord in the society” as a major task.

Besides, the largest NGO representing interests of 2.5 million
Armenians intends to “actively participate in the public and political
life of Russia, building of civil society valuable institutions,”
PanARMENIA.net reports.

“We also consider boosting and developing self-organization of our
Diaspora, which is the largest in the world, for the benefit of Russia
and Armenia,” Ara Abrahamyan said. In his words, the UAR also intends
to counteract to demonstrations of ethnic extremism, xenophobia,
racial and national intolerance and terrorism. “Our task is to bring
up the young in an environment of tolerance, as well as to strengthen
centuries-old traditions of friendship and fraternity of the Armenian
and Russian peoples. Meanwhile, if there are extremist organizations
that means they enjoy someone’s support. Many would like to see Russia
burdened with interethnic issues and would like to see instability
here,” Abrahamyan PanARMENIAN.net report referring to Interfax.

Ara Abrahamyan stated that the Armenians have no problems in the
sphere of interethnic relations.

“Armenians live in Russia since the 9th century; this is our home,”
he said.

Russia and Armenia are equally interested in maintaining the power
balance in the South Caucasus, in fostering stability and security
in the region, the UAR chairman stated. “In this regard, Russia is
not indifferent to the situation in the region and Armenia’s role in
it. The Armenians of Russia are also able to foster stability in the
South Caucasus.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress