Armenian Foreign Minister praises co-operation with OSCE Office in Yerevan

YEREVAN, 23 September 2004 - Opening the new premises of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian said that his country had always been dedicated to promoting OSCE values, adding that this commitment would continue in future.

"We rely on the OSCE Office in Yerevan, and we wish the Organization new achievements and great success in all its endeavours," Minister Oskanian said.

Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office, stressed the commitment of his staff to continue the development of sound co-operation with Armenia's authorities and civil society representatives.

Both speakers expressed their readiness to develop future co-operation in all OSCE dimensions, including the human, political, economic and environmental aspects of security and stability.

Outlining the importance of the Office's new programmes initiated this year, Ambassador Pryakhin said: "We will continue to promote the implementation of OSCE standards in all three dimensions, helping Armenia build a well-developed and democratic civil society based on internationally recognized values in human rights and democracy."

The OSCE Office formally opened its new premises yesterday. The opening reception was also attended by other representatives of the Armenian Government, diplomatic missions, international organizations and a number of non-governmental organizations.

Established in February 2000, the Office in Yerevan is currently staffed with seven international and 16 local officers. Key activities in the last years include assistance rendered to Armenia in improving electoral and media legislation, promoting mutual confidence between law-enforcement bodies and the population, and the strengthening of environmental security.