Model OSCE conference held in Lori province, Armenia

YEREVAN, 20 November 2009 - Forty three young representatives from Lori province in northern Armenia gathered today at an OSCE-supported role-playing event in the provincial capital Vanadzor to discuss the growing tensions between the hypothetical neighbouring countries of Pandella and the Democratic Republic of Domia.

During the two-day Model OSCE conference youth ambassadors will introduce their positions on nationalism, the rights of ethnic minorities, problems of refugees and the military conflict evolving according to the scenario. The participants, university students and graduates aged between 16 and 25, will simulate the Permanent Council, one of the OSCE decision-making bodies, and elaborate a concrete plan of actions to prevent the war.

The event is organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan in co-operation with the Lori Centre for Organizing Youth Events.

Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, noted: "Not only will the participants get an insight into the OSCE's work, but they will also gain experience of international diplomacy and negotiations which can be useful in their lives."

"Such initiatives make young people more interested in their own country's foreign policy and make them aware of the role they can potentially play in the political life in future," noted Artiom Nahapetyan, leading specialist of the Lori Centre for Organizing Youth Events.

Prior to the conference, the participants were trained on negotiation and public speaking skills and attended workshops on the OSCE's activities and international relations in general. Special attention was paid to the politico-military dimension of the Organization, which was the topic of the Model OSCE conference's scenario.

"The event gives us new knowledge and an opportunity to experience negotiations at the highest level. Switzerland, which I represent in the Model OSCE, is ready to go forward!" said Samvel Jaribekyan, adding that his group also prepared a small cultural and educational surprise performance for the organizers and participants.

All participants will receive certificates of attendance, and the three most active negotiators will receive encouragement prizes.

It is the second Model OSCE conference organized by the OSCE Office in Armenia; the first one was held in May 2009 in Shirak province. A nationwide conference is planned for next year.