U.S. DIPLOMAT THANKS ARMENIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Dec 21 2006

YEREVAN, December 21. /ARKA/. U.S. Charge d’Affaires Anthony Godfrey
thanked Wednesday Armenian human rights activists for their efforts
to deepen democratic reformation in the country, U.S. Embassy in
Armenia reports.

"In Armenia, the United States stands in solidarity with you–the
country’s brave men and women who are doing such essential work as
supporting a free press, fighting against trafficking in persons,
advocating for freedom of religion, and supporting women’s rights. We
thank you for your efforts to further Armenia’s democratic reforms,
and for your dedication to fighting for those people who often don’t
have a voice", he said.

"We thank you for your efforts to further Armenia’s democratic reforms,
and for your dedication to fighting for those people who often don’t
have a voice", the U.S. diplomat said.

Godfrey stressed the important contributions of human rights defenders
throughout the world who risk harassment, beatings, detention,
imprisonment and even death to practice or seek to secure fundamental
freedoms. He remarked that without a vibrant civil society, democracy
is incomplete.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress