Armenia prioritizes protection of religious groups at key D.C. forumJuly 19, 2019 - 10:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia promotes adherence to international human rights instruments and firm commitments to ensuring freedom of religion within the framework of the overall democratization of the society, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said in his remarks at the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. Held in Washington D.C., the Ministerial seeks to reaffirm international commitments to promote religious freedom for all and focus on concrete outcomes that produce durable, positive change. Mnatsakanyan said protection of religious groups has been well-defined in the crime suppression international instruments such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. "Preventing mass atrocities against members of religious groups is an absolute priority for Armenia. We know what it means to be a persecuted religious group within the oppressive framework. It is a duty for us to pledge support to all those who are persecuted, including on the basis of their religion and belief today," the Armenian Foreign Policy Chief said. "Armenia has become a safe haven for a number of vulnerable religious minorities particularly Yazidis and Assyrians. Today Yazidis are the strongest minority group in Armenia, and we are very proud that the biggest temple of this ancient people very soon will open in their Armenian homeland. Together with the most ancient Christian churches of the world and magnificent Blue Mosque of Yerevan it will symbolize beauty of faith and tolerance." Unfortunately, he said, humanity has been witnessing recurrence of mass atrocities including acts of genocide against Yazidis and Christians in the Middle East. Persecutions occur in the name of religion, as religion is often misused and abused by those who perpetrate violence or justify it, he added. "Today we have received more than 20 thousand refugees from the Middle East and provided assistance to them on the ground," Mnatsakanyan said. "Armenia stands ready to cooperate with all interested parties to recover ancestral presence of Christians in the Middle East by rebuilding their lives, communities and churches. The Armenian people historically have been significant contributors to diversity, harmony and prosperity of the countries and societies of the Middle East. This conference provides an excellent platform to initiate partnerships to this end." Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |