Copy of Pan-Armenian Declaration on Genocide Centennial handed over to UN Secretary General

NEW YORK — Permanent Representative of Armenia to UN Zohrab Mnatsakanyan handed over the text of the Pan-Armenian Declaration on Armenian Genocide centennial translated into all UN official languages to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on March 11.

Mnatsakanyan noted that the Declaration aims to strengthen and develop the universal struggle against the crime of genocide. The Secretary General hailed Armenia’s active involvement in versatile international processes as well as its support to the activities of the UN office.

Mnatsakanyan briefed the UN Secretary General on the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, emphasizing their importance for reinforcing the consistent efforts targeted at the prevention of genocide and raising the issue of its unacceptability. He praised the UN’s key role in the processes of preventing genocide and stressed its significance as an international structure based on universal and moral values.

The Armenian ambassador also briefed the Secretary General on “Aurora” Humanitarian Award officially launched in New York on March 10 within the framework of the “100 LIVES” initiative.

During the meeting the two sides exchanged views on the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The Secretary General reiterated the UN support to the resolution of the Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship and the proposals of the Co-Chairs.

Ambassador Mnatsakanyan stressed the importance of confidence-building measures, namely the withdrawal of snipers from the line of contact, and creation of mechanisms for investigating the border incidents.

The Ambassador voiced concern over Azerbaijan’s failure to accept the proposals of the Co-Chairs and recalled the targeted messages included in the OSCE Minsk Group statement dated January 27.