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FOREIGN MINISTER OSKANIAN ADDRESSED THE 60TH SESSION OF THE UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Official

Foreign Minister Oskanian addressed the 60th session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on March 16.

The Minister spoke about Armenia's commitment to the Human Rights agenda, Armenia's accmplishments over these 10 years, including the abolition of the death penalty and the appointment of an ombudsman, and reforms in legislation.

The Minister cited the recent killing of an Armenian soldier in Budapest by an Azerbaijani soldier as example of ethnic hatred. He explained that today's grievances in the region are the results of human rights abuses and called on the international community to recognize the NK population's inherent basic human right to self-determination.

The Minister spoke about the need for unity in implementing human rights principles, especially in the face of terrorist attacks like the recent one in Spain. He stressed the universality of human rights protections, and their direct link to development, as well as to security.

During his one day visit to Geneva, the Minister met with Brian Cowen, Foreign Minister of Ireland. The two discussed the European Union's Wider Europe New Neighborhood Program, and the importance of considering the inclusion of the Caucasus in that program, during the current Irish presidency of the EU.

The Minister also met with the foreign ministers of Switzerland, Estonia, Luxembourg and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Italy. He also visited UN Deputy Secretary General, UN Geneva office Director General Sergei Orjonikidze.