Minister Oskanian met with the leadership of the Jewish community in Armenia, on December 21. which numbers nearly 5,000. Rabbi Meir Burstein, Mrs. Rima Varjabedian, Dr. Vladimir Gogan, as well as the heads of the cultural center, and editors of community publications responded to the Minister?s invitation.

They discussed Armenia?s socio-economic progress, the situation of Armenia?s minorities and the need for their greater involvement in the country?s public and political development.

The leadership described the community?s structure, their activities and their international links. Mrs. Varjabedian and Dr. Gogan had participated in two successive OSCE Anti-semitism conferences over the last two years.

They continued to explore various issues of concern to Armenia?s Jewish community. Those present affirmed that Jews in Armenia have never felt themselves to be outsiders, and, on the contrary, have considered themselves as full-fledged citizens. Armenia?s government and various agencies aid and support the spiritual and cultural activities of the Jewish community. At the same time, they expressed regret that certain public and private figures in Armenia publicly make anti-semitic remarks. The Minister listened to their comments, and assured them that there is no anti-semitism in Armenia. He stated his readiness to follow more closely the isolated instances of anti-semitic comments.

Minister Oskanian noted that Armenians and Jews have much in common, in their histories, share a common, albeit tragic, destiny, and have every reason to work together. He acknowledged the contributions of the Jewish community in Armenia and welcomed their continuing contribution to Armenia's growth and development.