OSCE Office helps organize photo exhibition in Yerevan

YEREVAN, 14 May 2007 - "A short meeting with Earth" is the theme of a photo exhibition which opened in Yerevan today with the help of the OSCE Office and the State University.

The two week exhibition features over 60 unique images taken from space by Russian astronaut Yuri Baturin who worked on board the International Space Station. They reflect on some of the threats Earth faces from environmental degradation, modern technology, scientific development and human activities.

"Armenian scientists have made a solid contribution to the theoretical elaboration of the concept of new threats and global challenges," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of the OSCE Office.

"To support these efforts and enhance co-operation in the field, the OSCE has helped set up the Noyan Tapan (Noah's Ark) movement."

The opening of the photo exhibition was followed by demonstration of the documentary "Stairway to Heaven" by Yuri Baturin, which provides an insider's view on space flights and preparations for them.

The exhibition will be followed by a series of lectures for students of the Yerevan State University on the link between space exploration and global threats to human security.