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OSCE Office in Yerevan supports participation in a cultural festival in Turkey
YEREVAN 1 July 2002
YEREVAN, 1 July 2002 - The OSCE Office in Yerevan financed the participation of an Armenian children's dance group in the Caucasian Art Festival held from 26 June to 1 July 2002 in the Turkish town of Artvin. This was the first time in decades that an Armenian delegation participated in a cultural event in Turkey.
About 200 professional youth dance groups from Georgia, Turkey and, this year, Armenia participated in the festival. The event was widely covered by Turkish media which stated that Armenia's dance group Escada brought warmth and freshness to the festival.
Armenia's participation in the event was initiated by Mr. Artush Mkrtchian from the Caucasian Centre for Conflict Studies. Established in 1999, this NGO proposes non-traditional methods and initiatives to address conflict prevention and resolution in the Caucasus. In Mr. Mkrtchian's view, "establishing cultural links with neighbouring countries can be the first step for improving relations in other spheres".
About 200 professional youth dance groups from Georgia, Turkey and, this year, Armenia participated in the festival. The event was widely covered by Turkish media which stated that Armenia's dance group Escada brought warmth and freshness to the festival.
Armenia's participation in the event was initiated by Mr. Artush Mkrtchian from the Caucasian Centre for Conflict Studies. Established in 1999, this NGO proposes non-traditional methods and initiatives to address conflict prevention and resolution in the Caucasus. In Mr. Mkrtchian's view, "establishing cultural links with neighbouring countries can be the first step for improving relations in other spheres".