Model OSCE conference held in Lori province, Armenia

armradio.am
21.11.2009 11:35

Forty three young representatives from Lori province in northern
Armenia gathered today at an OSCE-supported role-playing event in the
provincial capital Vanadzor to discuss the growing tensions between
the hypothetical neighbouring countries of Pandella and the Democratic
Republic of Domia.

During the two-day Model OSCE conference youth ambassadors will
introduce their positions on nationalism, the rights of ethnic
minorities, problems of refugees and the military conflict evolving
according to the scenario. The participants, university students and
graduates aged between 16 and 25, will simulate the Permanent Council,
one of the OSCE decision-making bodies, and elaborate a concrete plan
of actions to prevent the war.

The event is organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan in co-operation
with the Lori Centre for Organizing Youth Events.

Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan,
noted: `Not only will the participants get an insight into the OSCE’s
work, but they will also gain experience of international diplomacy
and negotiations which can be useful in their lives.’

‘Such initiatives make young people more interested in their own
country’s foreign policy and make them aware of the role they can
potentially play in the political life in future,’ noted Artiom
Nahapetyan, leading specialist of the Lori Centre for Organizing Youth
Events.

Prior to the conference, the participants were trained on negotiation
and public speaking skills and attended workshops on the OSCE’s
activities and international relations in general. Special attention
was paid to the politico-military dimension of the Organization, which
was the topic of the Model OSCE conference’s scenario.

‘The event gives us new knowledge and an opportunity to experience
negotiations at the highest level. Switzerland, which I represent in
the Model OSCE, is ready to go forward!’ said Samvel Jaribekyan,
adding that his group also prepared a small cultural and educational
surprise performance for the organizers and participants.

All participants will receive certificates of attendance, and the
three most active negotiators will receive encouragement prizes.

It is the second Model OSCE conference organized by the OSCE Office in
Armenia; the first one was held in May 2009 in Shirak province. A
nationwide conference is planned for next year.