June 27, 2007 - 15:01 AMT
Oskanian satisfied with activation of relations between Turkish Armenian community and Armenia
June 24 the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople arranged a solemn reception in honor of Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. Representatives of various Armenian organizations of Istanbul, Special Assistant to the Minister of the Armenian Foreign Ministry Salpsi Ghazarian, Armenia's permanent representative in the BSEC Karen Mirzoyan, Sisli Deputy Mayor Vazgen Paryn also attended the event.

Vartan Oskanian expressed satisfaction with the activation of relations between the Turkish Armenian community and Armenia. He pointed out to the growing number of Istanbul Armenians visiting Armenia and strengthening ties with the homeland. "Under the leadership of Patriarch Mesbob Mutafyan, the well-organized and hard-working Armenian community lives and runs national institutions. The life of Diaspora is not easy. It's hard to live far from the homeland, but Armenians of Istanbul live is special conditions and maintain their traditions," the Armenian Minister said.

"Hrant Dink's slaying caused pain to everyone, first of all to Armenians of Istanbul. If he were alive he would be among us now," he added, Marmara newspaper reports.