Homeland not a prison, nor an inn: President September 20, 2014 - 18:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Promotion of statehood is one of the main challenges faced by Armenian people today, and we must rise to it, President Serzh Sargsyan said at the closure of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora conference in Yerevan. The Armenian leader further indicated emigration as one of the main current issues, and urged countermeasures to reduce the outflow. “I’m confident that the homeland mustn’t be a prison to an Armenian. Nor should it be a hotel. It’s in their motherland that Armenians must have their home,” the President said. To contribute to strengthening of their homeland, President Sargsyan urged Armenians worldwide to unite in developing their professional qualities and boosting patriotism among the youth. Sargsyan also stressed the country’s economic progress among the key priorities, hailing those who contribute to Armenia’s welfare. “Armenian leadership welcomes any initiative and is ready to provide investment opportunities, allowing Diaspora to shift from philanthropy to mutually beneficial cooperation.” “A free and independent Armenia is a reality, and I invite you to increase your involvement in further development of your country,” the President stressed. The Armenia-Diaspora conference hosted around 700 representatives of 150 organizations from 60 countries worldwide. The conference was held September 19-20 in Yerevan. The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now. The Armenian Genocide The Armenian Genocide (1915-23) was the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I. It was characterized by massacres and deportations, involving forced marches under conditions designed to lead to the death of the deportees, with the total number of deaths reaching 1.5 million. The Armenian-Turkish Protocols The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks held through Swiss mediation. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |