FILMMAKER EGOYAN SHOCKED BY CHARGES AGAINST OSKANIAN
PanARMENIAN.Net
October 1, 2012 - 16:26 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Canada-based filmmaker Atom Egoyan, member of the
Civilitas Foundation Honorary Board issued a letter in support of
former Armenian Foreign Minister and Civilitas founder Vartan Oskanian
accused of money laundering.
"I have known Vartan Oskanian for many years, and believe that he is a
brilliant statesman, committed to Armenia's prosperity and well-being.
He is a truly international presence, capable of creating important
bonds and bringing cherished ideas of democratic reform and free
media to a country that is still recovering from over seventy years
of Soviet-era control," Egoyan said.
"With this in mind, I immediately accepted Mr. Oskanian's invitation
to lend my name to the formation of Civilitas. I have watched as this
vital organization has helped shape the course of open discussion
and debate within a country I cherish and so proud of. This is why
I am so shocked and upset by the current charges that have been
brought against Mr. Oskanian. The persecution of Vartan Oskanian
is a deplorable and politically motivated action which is extremely
dangerous to the health of the country."
"I urge the Prosecutor General of Armenia to seriously consider the
consequences of removing Vartan Oskanian's immunity and to charge
him with this trumped-up charge. This action is being watched with
great concern by anyone who is concerned with freedom of expression
in a truly democratic and modern country," he said.
From: A. Papazian
PanARMENIAN.Net
October 1, 2012 - 16:26 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Canada-based filmmaker Atom Egoyan, member of the
Civilitas Foundation Honorary Board issued a letter in support of
former Armenian Foreign Minister and Civilitas founder Vartan Oskanian
accused of money laundering.
"I have known Vartan Oskanian for many years, and believe that he is a
brilliant statesman, committed to Armenia's prosperity and well-being.
He is a truly international presence, capable of creating important
bonds and bringing cherished ideas of democratic reform and free
media to a country that is still recovering from over seventy years
of Soviet-era control," Egoyan said.
"With this in mind, I immediately accepted Mr. Oskanian's invitation
to lend my name to the formation of Civilitas. I have watched as this
vital organization has helped shape the course of open discussion
and debate within a country I cherish and so proud of. This is why
I am so shocked and upset by the current charges that have been
brought against Mr. Oskanian. The persecution of Vartan Oskanian
is a deplorable and politically motivated action which is extremely
dangerous to the health of the country."
"I urge the Prosecutor General of Armenia to seriously consider the
consequences of removing Vartan Oskanian's immunity and to charge
him with this trumped-up charge. This action is being watched with
great concern by anyone who is concerned with freedom of expression
in a truly democratic and modern country," he said.
From: A. Papazian