A NATO Conference entitled “Contributing To a More Favorable Security Environment Through Informing Public Opinion” concluded in Yerevan on 29 October. The Conference was attended by 50 participants including representatives of Foreign Ministries from 25 Euro-Atlantic nations, staff of missions accredited to NATO and officials from NATO headquarters.

The Conference, which is a part of 2004 Action Plan for Euro-Atlantic Partnership Concil, was co-organised by NATO and Armenia’s Foreign Ministry. The Conference was chaired by NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy Jean Fournet.

During the opening session, Deputy Foreign Minister Tatoul Margarian noted in his welcome address that such events contributed to fostering constructive dialogue between member states of Euro-Atlantic Partnership. In commenting on the agenda of the Conference, he mentioned that public opinion is an important factor of conflict settlement in the South Caucasus. Unbiased reporting on national security issues by the mass media, aimed at shaping public opinion in support of constructive dialogue and problem solving gains critical importance in terms of re-establishing mutual confidence between the nations of the region.

Deputy Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of policies and strategies for public diplomacy developed and implemented by international organisations. In this context, he referred to balanced and consistent application of NATO partnership principles aimed at promoting real cooperation and partnership in the region.