OSCE Office in Yerevan presents second edition of textbook on Organization's past and present

YEREVAN, 24 October 2006 - An updated version of a textbook entitled "OSCE: History, Activities and Perspectives" was presented by the OSCE Office in Yerevan today.

"Assisting Armenia in the implementation and promotion of OSCE commitments is part of the mandate of the OSCE Office in Yerevan," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office, presenting the publication. "This book is valuable because it raises awareness about the OSCE, its concept and key values."

Given the demand and interest the first edition, published two years ago, attracted, the Office initiated a new edition that includes information on the ongoing OSCE reform. In particular, readers are introduced to a report prepared by an OSCE panel looking into how to make the Organization more effective.

Education and Science Minister Levon Mkrtchyan welcomed the book, saying: "Co-operation, key to security, lies in the main philosophy behind the OSCE. Thorough knowledge of OSCE principles and values will help future diplomats and politicians to better understand the system of European security."

The publication has been recommended by the Ministry of Science and Education as a textbook for students and lecturers. The book will also be useful for policy-makers and legislators.