Armenians in Europe will form an opinion on EU policies and to use their vote knowingly

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian organization AGBU Europe has launched a pre-electoral campaign asking candidates in the European elections for their position on key issues. In June 2009, many of the one million Armenians in Europe will have a chance to vote in the European elections. Their vote could affect the future of Armenia or that of the Diaspora: the European Union makes important decisions for all Europeans, including Armenians around Europe. The campaign consists in asking candidates in every EU country 7 questions on relevant EU policies and in publishing their answers. This will provide Europeans, Armenians included, with information to

help them choose between candidates on election day. Crucially, it will raise awareness among candidates, and remind them that their electors care about these issues.



Relevant EU policies include those that concern Armenia's future European integration and the newly launched Eastern Partnership, policies on culture, language and freedom and justice; peace-making in the South Caucasus and the future of Nagorno-Karabakh; and Turkey's

accession prospects and the recognition of the Armenian genocide.



With this campaign, the organization hopes to encourage Armenians in Europe to form an opinion on EU policies and to use their vote knowingly. The campaign also intends to generate debate and raise awareness among future members of the European Parliament about these

important questions, AGBU Europe reported to PanARMENIAN.Net