OSCE Yerevan Office launches publication on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism

YEREVAN, 14 February 2006 - An OSCE-supported publication containing international guidelines and documents on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism was presented yesterday to government officials and the public.

The publication, part of an ongoing project initiated by the OSCE Office in Yerevan in co-operation with the General Prosecutor's Office and the Central Bank of Armenia, is intended to help in strengthening the rule of law, institutional capacity and co-operation with international crime fighting organizations.

"I am confident that knowledge of international instruments to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism will facilitate the work of law enforcement bodies in this fight," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan. "The fight against organized crime is a priority for OSCE in 2006, and our Office will continue to assist the Armenian authorities in this difficult task." 

Aghvan Hovsepyan, General Prosecutor of Armenia, said: "The co-operation with the OSCE is very valuable for the fight that Armenian authorities have already started. It is crucial that the key documents are presented in Armenian and commented by two Armenian experts".

The book features contributions from two experts on the subject, Armen Boshnagyan, Chief Prosecutor on the fight against trafficking in the General Prosecutor's Office, and Ara Yeremyan, criminal and administrative expert of the National Assembly.

Armenia has already introduced a law which helps prevent the legalization of proceeds of crimes and financing terrorism and a law which focuses on the fight against terrorism. A financial monitoring unit has also been established under the Central Bank of Armenia.