STATEMENT ADOPTED IN THE RESULT OF THE ARMENIA-DIASPORA THIRD CONFERENCE

Pablic Radio of Armenia
Sept 23 2006

A statement was adopted in the result of the Armenia-Diaspora Third
Conference. MFA Press Service informs that the statement says, in
particular, "Armenia-Diaspora Third Conference, which took place on
the eve of a historical event – 15th Anniversary of the Armenian
independence, reiterates our resolve and determination to promote
in every possible way the strengthening of Armenian Statehood, as a
vital precondition for the resolution of all problems faced by all
Armenians and for our continuous advancement.

The Third Conference takes note that in recent times, Armenia-Diaspora
relations and cooperation have been developing harmoniously, with
reciprocal trust and respect, and a solid base has been established
for future expansion and strengthening.

We have a common history, shared objectives and problems, priorities
which pertain to all Armenians and as well as those which are
particular to specific communities, and only through combined efforts,
through the consolidation of our human and material resources, will
we be able to resolve existing problems.

The Republic of Armenia, as a state, assumes with all its capacity
and power, the responsibility to provide the necessary conditions
for every Armenian to participate in state-building, and in Armenia’s
strengthening and development processes.

The Conference reaffirms that our national identity is indivisibly
linked with Christianity, and that the mission of the Armenian Church
in the spiritual and ethical life of the Armenian people, as well
as in the expansion and deepening of Armenia-Diaspora relations,
is momentous and significant.

The Conference approves the Rural Poverty Eradication Program and
appeals to all structures, organizations and to all our people as
a whole to actively participate in the planning, organization and
implementation of the Program.

In our modern history, the greatest achievement of our people has been
the liberation of Artsakh, which is the expression of our people’s
unwavering resolve to defend our historic rights. The liberation
of Artsakh has become the clear evidence of our unity, solidarity
and commitment.

We reiterate our total responsibility and complete support for the
right of the people of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic to live in
freedom and to exercise their right of self-determination.

After Armenia regained independence, the Armenian Diaspora found
itself in a new situation and throughout the period when serious and
risky challenges confronted the newly independent Armenian state,
demonstrated unprecedented material, political and moral support to
our country.

Concurrently, the issues faced by the Diaspora remain mostly the
same. These are preservation and continuity of national identity,
traditions and culture in the various host countries, in different
religious and ethno-cultural conditions. Toward that end the Republic
of Armenia lends its total support to Diaspora.

The Conference reaffirms its resolve to attain international
recognition of the Armenian Genocide in all countries. The Conference
welcomes and expresses its gratitude to all the just-thinking friends
of the Armenian people, whose efforts testify the growing feeling
of responsibility on the part of the international community for the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

We are confident that principles of democracy, human rights and
liberty are the priorities for a properly functioning state and
social structures.

Our fundamental values are peace, friendship and mutually beneficial
cooperation among peoples, the right of individuals and peoples to
live in liberty and exercise freedom of speech and faith.

We are resolved and determined to protect our national rights and
interests in the 21st century, to enforce peace and unity, to solve
our problems, to fulfill our dreams together in the name of our people,
for the safe and secure development and advancement of our homeland."