Official Meetings

The AAA group of interns this summer had the chance to meet with three senior level officials, all within the Armenian government and its ministries these past few weeks. First, the AAA group as well as the Birth Right/Depi Hayk group were introduced to the Foreign Minster of Armenia, Vartan Oskanian. As the head of the Foreign Ministry Mr. Oskanian is the chief diplomat representing the government of Armenia. His equivalent, in position, within the United States government would be Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Mr. Oskanian spoke on topics ranging from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the upcoming Diaspora conference in September and the corresponding projects that will be introduced at the meeting, the assistance and role that the Armenian government has with the United States in the context of the ongoing situation in Iraq as well as possible operations within Afghanistan, and finally, the current rise of xenophobia within Russia against Armenians as well as other minorities.

The second meeting that took place last week was with the Armenian Human Rights Ombudsman, Armen Harutiunian. As a long time constitutional law advisor to President Robert Kocharian, Mr. Harutiunian was elected to his new position in February 2006 and will serve a six year term. As Armenia’s Ombudsman, Mr. Harutiunian’s role is to ensure the accountability of government through effective oversight. The Ombudsman’s office is independent of any political party or government ministry. Their role is to act as an outside watchdog. One example of the role that the Ombudsman plays within Armenia is when his office overlooks any piece of legislation that either a government ministry or official or Armenian citizen feels threats the human rights of Armenians. Mr. Harutiunian gave a brief explanation of his and his office’s role within Armenia, their capabilities within the government and any outside help they may receive, and the future of the office. He mentioned that within the fall of 2006, they will be moving to a new office and are interested in future interns.

AAA’s third official meeting took place with the Justice Minister, David Harutiunian. [Full bio] . Mr. Harutiunian and the Ministry of Justice “is a republican body of executive authority, which elaborates and implements policies of the Republic of Armenia Government in sectors which belong to the authority of the Ministry in accordance with laws, other legal acts, and its by-laws.” During the meeting, Mr. Harutiunian gave an overview of the Minsitry, and their role with the Parliament and government of Armenia.




The AAA group will have more meetings with officials throughout the summer.