Armenian FM holds meetings in Geneva, discusses the issue of Syrian refugees
On February 29, on the sidelines of the 31st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met Philip Ruddock, Australia’s Special Envoy for Human Rights. Edward Nalbandian and Philip Ruddock touched upon the issues of tightening of cooperation within international organizations. During the meeting, joint steps towards the development of bilateral relations were discussed, importance attached to organization of high-level visits. The sides commended the role of the Armenian community in Australia in the expansion of bilateral cooperation. At the meeting, thoughts were exchanged on regional issues and ways to resolve them. On the same day, Nalbandian met in Geneva met Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Welcoming Foreign Minister of Armenia, High Commissioner Al Hussein commended Armenia’s strong stance, continuous efforts in prevention of new acts of genocide, stressing that today the international community is acting more decisively in the prevention of crimes against humanity. Regarding this, Minister Nalbandian outlined that “as a nation, which survived the first genocide of the 20th century, we feel obliged to undertake steps in consolidation of international community’s efforts to exclude new crimes against humanity.” During the meeting, issues relating human rights due to the situation unfolded in the Middle East, minorities issues and steps to resolve them were discussed. In this regard, the fact that Armenia has sheltered nearly 20 thousands of refugees from Syria was mentioned. The sides reflected on human rights protection in Armenia. In this context, Edward Nalbandian stressed, that effective cooperation has been established in this field between Armenia and international organizations dealing with human rights. Upon the High Commissioner’s request, Edward Nalbandian presented the efforts exerted by Armenia and the OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairs towards a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
