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TALK WITH AMBASSADOR: ARMEN KHACHATRYAN
15:24, 07.03.2015
Armenian News-NEWS.am agency together with the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Armenia continues a series of interviews titled "Talk with
Ambassador". This week our guest is Armenia's Ambassador to Belarus
Armen Khachatryan.
How can you describe relations between Armenia and Belarus? Is
history remembered?
The Armenian and Belarus nations lived next to each other for
centuries. We were parts of one country --- the Soviet Union - for
several decades, and this, of course, left a positive influence
on Armenia-Belarus relations. During the Great Patriotic War,
many Armenians shed blood for liberation of Belarus. There were many
Armenians among the defenders of the Brest fortress. Marshal Baghramyan
made a considerable contribution to liberation of the Belarus land.
As to modern history, the diplomatic relations between Armenia and
Belarus were established in 1993 when an Armenian embassy opened in
Minsk, and in 2001 the diplomatic representation opened in Yerevan.
Armenia and Belarus are CIS members. Moreover, they are members of a
common military and political bloc - CSTO, a common economic alliance
- Eurasian Economic Union. This has a strong impact on bilateral
relations. The positions of our countries coincide on almost all
international issues, and there are no problems between the states.
Frequent mutual visits prove we have friendly relations. As to
economic ties, we expect serious progress with the accession to
Eurasian Economic Union.
How many Armenians live in Belarus, and how strong is the connection
betweenembassy and the community?
According to official data, around 10,000 Armenians live in Belarus,
but informal data suggesst there are 30-35 thousand Armenians. The
Armenians are engaged in social, economic and cultural life of the
country.
The embassy has always supported organizations of the community. With
the help of the embassy, the Armenian community participates in the
cooperation programs of Armenia and Diaspora. The embassy regularly
organizes and support events with the participation of community
structures.
"Hayastan" educational and cultural center that was founded in Minsk
in 1989 is the largest Armenian organization in Belarus. There are
other four organizations in Belarus regions.
There is a Sunday school in Minsk, ensemble of Armenian songs and
dances. As to print media, Miasis newspaper and Aniv magazine are
published. There are also websites: www.miasin.by и www.diaspora.by.
What are the trade prospects between the states given Armenia's
joining the Eurasian Union?
The accession of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union for our
country opened up opportunities for the development of economic
relations with its member states, including Belarus. Obstacles to
the further development of a effective relationship no longer exists.
Armenia opened a large market, which has a free movement of people,
capital, goods and services. We hope that the turnover of Armenia and
Belarus will intensify and will reach a new, higher level. Belarus
is the third among CIS states on trade turnover with Armenia.We have
a wide range of products that Belarus needs, and vice versa.
You are also Armenia's permanent representative at CIS. How do you
assess Armenia's participation in this structure?
Armenia is represented and is actively working in all CIS structures.
Armenia signed 101 of 112 documents adopted in CIS structures last
year, as compared to 99 signed by Russia and 34 by Azerbaijan.
Over recent years, among the issues most actively discussed within the
framework of the CIS are consolidation of efforts for the development
of humanitarian cooperation in combating international terrorism,
organized crime, illegal migration.
How is the embassy preparing for the Armenian Genocide Centennial?
As the embassies in other states, we attach special attention to the
process of international recognition and condemnation if the Armenian
Genocide. Several days ago the Embassy in Minsk and Golden Apricot
international film festival organized screening of films dedicated to
the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Among them were Mama,
Ararat, Grandma's Tattoos and others.
The embassy and community will hold other events to commemorate
victims of the Armenian Genocide.
You previously held the post of parliament's speaker. Where do you
better realize you potential as the head of the legislature or the
diplomatic service?
Regardless of the office, I was always inclined to public thinking
and always worked as fruitful as possible. It is hardly appropriate
to give assessment to my work.
On March 2 Armenia marked Diplomat's Day. What difficulties are you
and your colleagues faced with?
I want to once again congratulate our diplomats and wish them success
in the difficult, responsible and very important work. There are many
challenges, but every diplomat should, first of all, understand that
it he is a person representing Armenia abroad. As a small country,
we need to spare more efforts to be more active than others.
http://news.am/eng/news/255764.html
15:24, 07.03.2015
Armenian News-NEWS.am agency together with the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Armenia continues a series of interviews titled "Talk with
Ambassador". This week our guest is Armenia's Ambassador to Belarus
Armen Khachatryan.
How can you describe relations between Armenia and Belarus? Is
history remembered?
The Armenian and Belarus nations lived next to each other for
centuries. We were parts of one country --- the Soviet Union - for
several decades, and this, of course, left a positive influence
on Armenia-Belarus relations. During the Great Patriotic War,
many Armenians shed blood for liberation of Belarus. There were many
Armenians among the defenders of the Brest fortress. Marshal Baghramyan
made a considerable contribution to liberation of the Belarus land.
As to modern history, the diplomatic relations between Armenia and
Belarus were established in 1993 when an Armenian embassy opened in
Minsk, and in 2001 the diplomatic representation opened in Yerevan.
Armenia and Belarus are CIS members. Moreover, they are members of a
common military and political bloc - CSTO, a common economic alliance
- Eurasian Economic Union. This has a strong impact on bilateral
relations. The positions of our countries coincide on almost all
international issues, and there are no problems between the states.
Frequent mutual visits prove we have friendly relations. As to
economic ties, we expect serious progress with the accession to
Eurasian Economic Union.
How many Armenians live in Belarus, and how strong is the connection
betweenembassy and the community?
According to official data, around 10,000 Armenians live in Belarus,
but informal data suggesst there are 30-35 thousand Armenians. The
Armenians are engaged in social, economic and cultural life of the
country.
The embassy has always supported organizations of the community. With
the help of the embassy, the Armenian community participates in the
cooperation programs of Armenia and Diaspora. The embassy regularly
organizes and support events with the participation of community
structures.
"Hayastan" educational and cultural center that was founded in Minsk
in 1989 is the largest Armenian organization in Belarus. There are
other four organizations in Belarus regions.
There is a Sunday school in Minsk, ensemble of Armenian songs and
dances. As to print media, Miasis newspaper and Aniv magazine are
published. There are also websites: www.miasin.by и www.diaspora.by.
What are the trade prospects between the states given Armenia's
joining the Eurasian Union?
The accession of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union for our
country opened up opportunities for the development of economic
relations with its member states, including Belarus. Obstacles to
the further development of a effective relationship no longer exists.
Armenia opened a large market, which has a free movement of people,
capital, goods and services. We hope that the turnover of Armenia and
Belarus will intensify and will reach a new, higher level. Belarus
is the third among CIS states on trade turnover with Armenia.We have
a wide range of products that Belarus needs, and vice versa.
You are also Armenia's permanent representative at CIS. How do you
assess Armenia's participation in this structure?
Armenia is represented and is actively working in all CIS structures.
Armenia signed 101 of 112 documents adopted in CIS structures last
year, as compared to 99 signed by Russia and 34 by Azerbaijan.
Over recent years, among the issues most actively discussed within the
framework of the CIS are consolidation of efforts for the development
of humanitarian cooperation in combating international terrorism,
organized crime, illegal migration.
How is the embassy preparing for the Armenian Genocide Centennial?
As the embassies in other states, we attach special attention to the
process of international recognition and condemnation if the Armenian
Genocide. Several days ago the Embassy in Minsk and Golden Apricot
international film festival organized screening of films dedicated to
the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Among them were Mama,
Ararat, Grandma's Tattoos and others.
The embassy and community will hold other events to commemorate
victims of the Armenian Genocide.
You previously held the post of parliament's speaker. Where do you
better realize you potential as the head of the legislature or the
diplomatic service?
Regardless of the office, I was always inclined to public thinking
and always worked as fruitful as possible. It is hardly appropriate
to give assessment to my work.
On March 2 Armenia marked Diplomat's Day. What difficulties are you
and your colleagues faced with?
I want to once again congratulate our diplomats and wish them success
in the difficult, responsible and very important work. There are many
challenges, but every diplomat should, first of all, understand that
it he is a person representing Armenia abroad. As a small country,
we need to spare more efforts to be more active than others.
http://news.am/eng/news/255764.html