April 28, 2009 - 15:45 AMT
Caucasus 2008 international conference kicks off in Yerevan
Last year was remarkable for four election campaigns, one war, two declarations and one football match in Caucasus, Director of Freedom House Europe Vladimir Shkolnikov said at Caucasus 2008 international conference organized by Caucasus Institute in Yerevan.

Caucasus Institute Director, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan noted that Caucasus annual conferences are among the few if not the only proof of regional unity.

Head of the EC Delegation to Armenia Mr. Raul de Luzenberger said that during 2008, many important events took place in South Caucasus, and beginning of 2009 is very promising.

"South Caucasus experienced a war. It is sad. But we eyewitnessed a historical step made towards normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey. Eastern Partnership initiative for South Caucasus countries, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus was also accepted in 2008," he said.