August 8, 2009 - 13:38 AMT
No real authorities vested in RA Honored Consulate to Dnepropetrovsk
The main problem of Dnepropetrovsk Armenians is related to the activity of RA Honored Consulate to Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye and Poltava regions, said Armenian community leader Petros Baghdasaryan, President of "Odjakh" cultural centre. Honored Consulate, according to him, lacks real authority, so if people need any document and reference, they have to leave for Kiev. "I don't think there are any difficulties in vesting the Consulate with relevant authorities. After our 4 years' efforts of writing motions and recommendations, a diplomatic representative office was opened in 'Odjakh' center, but the problem did not actually find solution," Baghdasaryan stressed.

The main problem is the construction of the church and the subsequent elucidation of the event, community leader said. "Construction work is coming to a close, and we are planning to finish it in 2011. The construction of an Armenian church in our town is really a significant event for Armenian Diaspora, as well as Ukraine and Armenia," he said.

With regard to the recent developments in Margants, Baghsasaryan characterized it as a usual scuffle that had a lethal outcome. "An off-duty police officer died. Certain forces, apparently trying to turn the situation to their advantage, disinformed the public in an attempt to represent the scuffle as an interethnic conflict, despite the fact that there were Armenians in both conflicting groups. We should be thankful to law enforcement agencies for preventing further provocations. I also want to express my gratitude to the local authorities, government and President for their direct control and assistance. Investigation is currently under way, and final decision will be made by the court;" Analitika.at.ua quotes Baghdasaryan as saying.