Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel. (613) 235-2622 Fax (613) 238-2622
E-mail:national.office@anc-canada.com
PR ESS RELEASE
October 18, 2006
Contact: keveork Manguelian
Tel. (613) 235-2622
Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Armenia Concludes a Successful
Visits to Canada
"It is not our Intention to Humiliate or Corner Turkey,"–Minister Oskanian
Ottawa-Vartan Oskanian, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Armenia,
concluded a successful working visit to Ottawa on October 18 meeting Canada’
s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Peter MacKay and Canadian
legislators.
To honour His Excellency Vartan Oskanian, Gary Goodyear, (MP – Cambridge)
and Chairman of Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group, in
cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Ottawa, and the
Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), hosted a luncheon-meeting for
House of Commons and Senate of Canada members.
After welcoming the minister, Gary Goodyear emphasized that the high turn
out of Parliamentarians demonstrates "the positive relationship that exists
between Armenia and Canada. It also illustrates the importance of our
commitment to developing bilateral agreements with our Armenian friends and
counterparts." Goodyear concluded that by establishing Canada-Armenia
Parliamentary Friendship Group "we have the opportunity to share experiences
and develop warm friendships that will serve and strengthen our two
countries."
After thanking the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada members, and
the Canadian Government for their recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
Minister Oskanian said that the purpose of his visit is to strengthen
Canada-Armenian bilateral relations in economic and political fields,
Canada -Armenia cooperation in international organizations and obtain Canada
‘s assistance in enhancing Armenia’s peace-keeping capacities.
Minister Oskanian reviewed Armenia’s political, economic and social
development, Armenia’s relation with its neighbours, and the French National
Assembly’s principled stand on the Armenian Genocide.
Minister Oskanian stressed that Armenia has always advocated dialogue and
the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Armenia and Turkey
without precondition. "It is not our intention to humiliate or corner
Turkey," stated Minister Oskanian.
Jason Kenney, Parliamentary Secretary of the Prime Minister of Canada, on
behalf of the Government of Canada welcomed Minister Oskanian and wished him
a successful visit.
The two-hour meeting provided an excellent opportunity for Canadian
legislators to get first-hand knowledge of Armenia, its concerns and hopes.
In addition to the Parliamentarians, the gathering was attended by ANCC
Chairman Dr. Vagharch Ehrmdjian, ANCC central and regional board members,
Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Rev. Mher Khatchigian
and representatives from the Congress of Canadian Armenians.
Later in the day, Minister Oskanian met his counterpart– Hon. Peter
MacKay–to discuss issues of mutual interest to Canada and Armenia.
Minister Oskanian’s visit was covered by many major Canadian media
organizations.
"We are sure that such ministerial visits will pave the way for closer
relation between the two nations. The vibrant Canadian-Armenian community
and ANCC, will play, as they have done in the past, a pivotal role in
bringing Canada and Armenia closer," said Aris Babikian, Executive Director
of ANCC.
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For media inquiries please contact:
Kelly Williams, Gary Goodyear- MP Office. Tel. (613) 996-1307
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of
the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.
Regional Chapters
Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St.
Catharines – Windsor – Vancouver
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress