Yerevan meeting looks at OSCE 25th anniversary

YEREVAN, 22 September 2000 - The 25^th anniversary of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe was the topic of a round table meeting in Yerevan today. The event was organized by the Foreign Relations Committee of the Armenian National Assembly and the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, sent a special congratulatory message to all participants, who included about 60 representatives of Government (including the Minister of Justice), National Assembly, NGOs, academics, media and diplomatic missions. The meeting was opened by the Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly.

A lively discussion focused on the economic, social and human rights position in Armenia. NGO representatives raised a number of issues with the deputies from the National Assembly, in particular, the problem of lobbying the Assembly on draft laws. As a result of this exchange, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee agreed to set up monthly meetings between the National Assembly and NGOs to discuss current questions. This was welcomed enthusiastically.

Equally welcomed was the establishment of the Office in Yerevan and the potential it offers. The Head of Office, Ambassador Roy Reeve, outlined the range of activities to date and encouraged all participants to maintain and develop their existing dialogue with the Office.

The round table received considerable positive attention in broadcast and print media.