Minister meets with representatives of the three Diaspora political parties on ArmeniaDiaspora Conference

Yerevan, January 31-- In preparation for the Second ArmenianDiaspora Conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian met with the representatives of the three Diaspora political parties to present them with basic information on the form an d content of the Conference, and invite them to make suggestions and proposals. The meeting with the representatives of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party took place on Tuesday afternoon, January 29. Representing the party were Chairman Ruben Mirzakhanian, Harutyun Arakelian, Garnik Hovakimian and Hagop Avedikian. A few hours later, the Minister met with representatives of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party: Hrand Amirian and Suren Khudanian (members of the Hunchakian World Central Committee) and George Hakobian, Chairman of the Central Executive. The final meeting took place with Vahan Hovannisian and Armen Rustamian, members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau and Supreme Council. "All three meetings were very productive," said the Minister. We appreciated hearing their perspectives and expectations of the Conference. "We will continue to be in touch with each of the parties, as well as the other Diaspora-wide organizations. Of course, we will also be contacting the smaller organizations in each community, as well as various individuals and specialists. We want to make this conference as inclusive as possible." Earlier, the Minister had met with His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. The Minister invited the Catholicos to share his views and hopes of the Conference.

Representatives of ADL Representatives of the Hunchakian Party Representatives of ARF - Dashnaktsutyun

2002 Conference Update

The Second Armenia Diaspora Conference, scheduled to take place in Yerevan, on May 27-28, will consist of two plenary sessions, and various break out sessions. All together, some 100 Diaspora and Armenia specialists and officials will appear on the nearly two dozen panels on various aspects of Armenia-Diaspora relations. Approximately 1,000 participants are expected from approximately 50 countries.

"The challenge is to try to address the key topics which are of special relevance to Armenia-Diaspora relations, without turning the Conference into a very general talk session that produces no specific outcome," said Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, who is heading the Conference Planning Commission. "It is very important that we focus on areas where joint efforts can be efficiently utilized for optimal results. We will also concentrate on topics which are of mutual interest to Armenia and the Diaspora."

As a result, individuals from the ministries of Trade, Culture, Education, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are working with various experts and heads of organizations to finalize the specific panel topics. Presenters will be asked to make their papers available prior to the Conference in order to allow for translation and preparation of document packets for participants, and on the web for those who are not able to attend. "We are working hard to make this the opportunity to engage the many experts in the Diaspora who have been looking for ways to become involved in Armenia's development. This Conference is a step in the effort to broaden the involved Diaspora base and to engage not just the traditional leadership, but also new forces."

In addition to the two day conference, a series of special activities, meetings and tours is being planned by a volunteer group of Diasporans who live in Armenia in order to give Conference participants and their guests an unusual insider's look at life, business and culture in Yerevan.

The opening and closing plenary sessions of the Conference will take place at the Demirjian Culture and Sports Complex near the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Monument. The break out sessions will be held at the Government Reception House, near the Matenadaran. Buses will shuttle participants to and from meeting sites. Simultaneous interpretation will be available.