Armenian translation of the Helsinki Final Act presented by OSCE Yerevan Office and the Armenian Foreign Ministry

YEREVAN, 2 September 2005 - The Armenian translation of the Helsinki Final Act, the first comprehensive document addressing European security, was introduced today to the public in Yerevan on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its adoption.

Some 150 representatives of the Government, the National Assembly, civil society, international community and the media participated in the event.

The publication is a joint initiative of the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

"We hope that this translation will help the Armenian people better understand OSCE principles, values and commitments," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office.

He also praised the active role that Armenia has played in the community of OSCE States and the good working relationship between the Armenian authorities and the Office in Yerevan, as well as other OSCE institutions.

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian underlined the uniqueness of the Helsinki Final Act, saying it remains relevant within the ongoing reform of Organization.

"The Helsinki Final Act created a platform for dialogue, where the voice of every participating State had a right to be heard, every opinion taken into account and interest articulated, no matter what its military or economic weight," he said.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan was established in February 2000 to promote the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments, as well as to encourage co-operation between the Republic of Armenia and the Organization in all dimensions of security.