PRESENTATION OF "TRAFFICKING: CONTEMPORARY PROBLEMS" MANUAL FOR CONSULS HELD IN ARMENIA
Arka News Agency, Armenia
July 3 2006
YEREVAN, July 3. /ARKA/. The presentation of "Trafficking: Contemporary
Problems" manual for consuls was held in Armenia on June 30. US
Vice-Ambassador to Armenia Anthony Godfrey pointed out that the
manual is designed for organizing the work of consuls and assistants
of consular offices to confront trafficking, find and help victims
of trafficking.
"Consular offices of Armenia abroad play an enormous role in finding
victims of trafficking. And a proper organization of their work will
encourage reduction of trafficking," he said.
According to Godfrey, the US embassy is ready to render any assistance
in finding and helping victims of trafficking. At the same time,
he expressed gratitude and welcomed the work of the government and
relevant authorities as to the combat against trafficking.
Head of the department of international organization, Armenian Foreign
Ministry, Valery Mkrtumyan pointed out that trafficking poses threat
not only to Armenia, but also to the entire region.
"The first step on the way of combat against trafficking should be
proper awareness among the Armenian population, punishment of guilty
persons, and trafficking victims protection," he said.
At the same time, Mkrtumyan reported that the combat against
trafficking after the publication of the manual will have a more
targeted character.
According to chief of the consular department at the Armenian foreign
ministry Tigran Seyranyan, while combating trafficking, of great
importance not only is the work of consular offices, but also their
cooperation with other authorities, including police.
"Trafficking: Contemporary Problems" manual was published by the
department of migration of the consular division at the Armenian
foreign ministry in association with the Armenian office of
international organization for migration, funded by the US Embassy
in Armenia.
The manual is designed for consular office assistants and assistants
at consular departments of diplomatic representatives.